Ephs Danhakl & Johnson advance to NCAA Track Finals
 |
First year hurdler Elise Johnson qualified for Saturday's 9-person finals in the 100 hurdles when she was clocked in 14.30 and finished second in her heat. Johnson's time was the sixth fastest qualifying time. "This was one of Elise's best races of the season," noted assistant coach Joel Williams. "She was very composed even though she was in the same heat as the indoor national champion. I'm ecstatic with how she ran today and excited about what she brought to the table."
The Ephs had two first years in the 800 in Lizzy Danhakl and Sara Wild, but only Danhakl was able to advance to tomorrow's 9-person finals. Danhakl posted the sixth fastest qualifying time as she crossed the finish line in 2:11.64. Wild ran a 2:15.98.
Danhakl's time is a Williams record, breaking the previous best set by another soccer/track athlete – Colleen Doody who ran 2:11.72 in 2002.
"Lizzy and Sara were in the fastest heat and they both went out with the pack, which was good to see as I know they were a little down that the 4x400 did not advance last night," said assistant coach Mitchell Baker. "Sara tied up a little late after a hard week of exams, but she should be very proud of how she competed. Lizzy mixed it up and had a good kick at the end so I know she's happy with how her race went."
"Lizzy had a lot of injuries indoors and did not get in a lot of racing, so this will be her first time in the finals at nationals," commented baker.
The Ephs have yet to score at the meet as they have not had a performer compete in the finals of an event in the first two days of competition. The Ephs will have three competitors in scoring events tomorrow when Johnson and Danhakl are joined by 1,500 runner Olga Kondratjeva.
