Yemi Ayeni Hits 200 in the Discus, Advances to NCAA Championships

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May 26, 2007

Virginia’s Yemi Ayeni, who already holds the school record in the discus, became the first Cavalier in school history to hit 200 feet, throwing a 61.12m (200′ 6″) on his first throw of the competition. That throw stood up and Ayeni took second in the East Regional, earning him a ticket to the NCAA Championships in June in Sacramento. The ACC and IC4A Champion, Ayeni’s throw ranks him eighth nationally and he is only the ninth person this season to throw 200 feet. He will compete in the shot put on Saturday.

Two Cavaliers qualified for the finals on Saturday as Kevin McHale advanced in the 1500m run with his 3:47.29; Kellen Blassingame also moved on to the finals of the 400m dash with his 46.59. Erin Crawford qualified for the finals of the 400 hurdles; she ranks ninth nationally. The top five finishers in each event earn a berth in the NCAA Championships that will be held at Sacramento State, June 6-9.

Meghan Briggs finished 10th in the javelin as a true first-year with her 147′ 10″ she was the top finisher from the ACC. All-American Tomika Ferguson jumped 5.94m (19′ 6″) in the long jump; she will compete in the triple jump on Saturday.

Jan Foerster, Janine Ricci, and Stephanie Garcia will compete on Saturday in the steeplechase; Amy Bilmanis will compete in the discus, and the women’s 4x400m team will run on Saturday as well.

COMPLETE RESULTS: Women: 5000m: Scanlin, 16:50.14; LJ: Ferguson, 19′ 6″ SP: Manning, 45′ 11.25″ Jav: Briggs, 147′ 10″, 10th; 400IH: Crawford, 58.64Q; Smith, 1:01.46

Men: 100m: Jones, 10.76; 200m: Jones, 21.24; 400m: Blassingame, 46.59Q; 1500m: McHale, 3:47.29Q; Jesien, 4:01.90; Disc: Ayeni, 200′ 6″, 2nd