The NCAA East First Rounds took place May 29th and May 31st, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Mountaineers were in attendance, and definitely made their mark on the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium. Read more Mountaineers Naukot and Tait Run the Show.
Day 1
On May 29th, day one of the NCAA East First Rounds was hosted in Jacksonville, Fla. Joy Naukot – who we have seen a lot of impressive performances from this season – yet again had an incredible performance. She was able to secure a trip to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, finishing eighth in the women’s 10,000 meters. She finished with a time of 32:51.33 and became the seventh Mountaineer in program history to qualify for a spot in the national championship in the 10,000-meter event.
Kishay Rowe achieved a personal best in the 800 meters, with a time of 2:03.98. She came in 22nd overall and barely skimmed the possibility of entering the final round by .02 seconds. With this performance, Rowe became #2 in West Virginia Outdoor history in the 800 meter event!
READ MORE: West Virginia Will Face Clemson In Second Round Of NCAA Clemson Regional
Day 2
Day two of the NCAA East First Rounds was held on May 31st, and held just as much excitement and success as day one. Sarah Tait also found her way into the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships after winning the third heat of the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase. With a time of 9:42.14, and with an overall placement of third, Tait will be heading to Eugene!
Annishka McDonald tied for 38th overall in the high jump, with a height of 1.69 meters.
Emily Bryce and Naomi Kemboi finished 31st and 37th in the 5,000 meters. Bryce finished with a time of 16:04.30, and Kemboi finished shortly behind with 16:17.20.
Thoughts from Head Coach Sean Cleary
In response to Joy Naukot’s standout performance, WVU head coach Sean Cleary expressed his pride in her perseverance and success:
“I am very proud that Joy kept her head straight and that she was able to qualify for the NCAA finals. That race was hot and humid, a testament to her fitness and her willingness to not let how she felt impact her qualifying.”
Cleary also highlighted the historical significance of Naukot’s effort:
“For the second time this year, Joy ran the 10,000 meters in a time faster than the previous WVU school record holder which was held by current West Virginia Coach Clara Grandt Santucci.”
Cleary later commended Sarah Tait’s showing on day two of the NCAA East First Round, reflecting on her year-long journey:
“This has been an extremely successful year for Sarah. As we left this meet 12 months ago, Sarah left with the gut wrenching experience of having been the first steeplechaser not to qualify for the national championship. Over the past year, Sarah has become an NCAA All-American in cross country, smashed her best indoor times, won two Big 12 titles and now wins her heat at the NCAA East First Round to punch her ticket to Eugene.”
NCAA Outdoor Championships
Next up, Tait and Naukot will be sent to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on June 11-14. The competition will be held in Eugene, Oregon, at Hayward Field. Good luck ladies, and Let’s Go Mountaineers!
Mountaineers Naukot and Tait Run the Show.
