The University of Louisville track and field team had three athletes advance to the NCAA Championships on Friday at the NCAA East Preliminary held at the Kentucky Track and Field Complex. Emmonnie Henderson, Martice Moore and Edwin Kichichiy join Holly Hankenson and Trevor Troutman as NCAA Championship qualifiers for the Cardinals.
“Day two was outstanding for us as each team continued to build momentum toward the NCAA Finals,” said head coach Dale Cowper. “Emmonnie Henderson found her way back on track in the discus throw with a season best to advance. She is in a very similar position going into the NCAA Championships to where she was in 2015 when she finished third at the finals.”
Emmonnie Henderson started the day off as the first qualifier. She finished seventh in the discus with a season best throw of 54.55m (178-11). Henderson advances to the NCAA Championship in the discus for the third straight year.
Sophomore Martice Moore ran a personal best time of 50.97 in the quarterfinals of the 400 meter hurdles. Moore will advance to the NCAA Championships for the first time in his career.
“Martice was able to run a big personal best tonight to advance in the 400 meter hurdles,” said Cowper. “I think that was the best birthday present he could have given himself!”
Edwin Kibichiy provided the biggest highlight of the evening in the final event. The senior ran a season best time of 8:32.91 to win the men’s 3,000 meter steeplechase. His time was a meet record and also ranks as the top time in the nation this season. Kibichiy will be making his fourth straight appearance to the NCAA Championships in the 3,000 meter steeplechase.
“Edwin established a new stadium and meet record while running the fastest time in the country this season,” Cowper said. “He is once again a legitimate contender for the title in Eugene and tonight was a big step forward. Coach Walker and Wrieden have done a tremendous job of patiently building his season. It’s going to be exciting to watch him finish things out.”
Senior Claire Noser wrapped up an impressive senior year in the women’s 3,000 meter steeplechase. She finished 27th with a time of 10:29.78. Eric Fox finished 29th in the men’s pole vault, clearing 5.00m (16-4¾).
The Cardinals will wrap up competition at the NCAA East Preliminary on Saturday. Freshman John Kolb will kick off the events in the men’s discus at 2:00 p.m.
NCAA East Preliminary
May 26, 2017 | Kentucky Track and Field Complex
Women’s Discus
7. Emmonnie HENDERSON – 54.55m (178-11) Q
Men’s Pole Vault
29. Eric FOX – 5.00m (16-4¾)
Men’s 400m Hurdles
11. Martice MOORE – 50.97 Q
Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase
27. Claire NOSER – 10:29.78
Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase
1. Edwin KIBICHIY – 8:32.91
Kimberli Pemberton
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Louisville