By: by Emily Diekelmann
Men's Participant List
Women's Participant List
INDIANAPOLIS- Having worked towards this moment all season, five Kennesaw State track and field athletes get the chance to compete at the NCAA East Preliminaries on May 26-28 in Bloomington, Ind., the NCAA announced on Thursday.
Making her second straight appearance in the track postseason, Mackenzie Howe will once again look to conquer the field in the 10,000 meter race. Having already won a conference championship in the event and finishing 20th last season at prelims, Howe used her spectacular time at the Stanford Invitational to give the final push. Among top tier competition, Howe finished eighth in 34:52.16 and set the new school record in the event as well.
Finishing up their season ranked 12th in the South region by the USTFCCCA, four athletes from the men’s team will get a shot at national recognition next weekend. Repeating their trip from last year are Josh McNair and Kendall Parks.
Parks was able to nab a trip to prelims during the Atlantic Sun Outdoor Conference Championships last month. His time of 13.75 seconds in the 110 meter hurdles blew away the competition and gave him a spot in next week’s meet.
Fighting until the end, McNair increased his top distance in the shot put up until the very last meet of the season. Last weekend at the Clemson Final Qualifier, he threw 17.06 meters to not only move himself in the regional rankings but also break the school record. For McNair next weekend is what he has been working towards all season.
“First and for most I have to thank God for what he's done in my life and athletic career here at Kennesaw State," McNair said. "Qualifying for me means that I have succeeded at my goal of being one of the best in the nation at what I do. My expectations are simple, go out there and do what I've been trained to do. As a thrower we have a saying, "make your last throw, your best throw", so that is what I am looking to do. If I continue with what I have been doing, trust in my training and lay it out there, there is no doubt about what I can do. I've worked hard up to this point and I'm going to give it my best shot, and let the chips fall where they may.”
Earning their first trip in the postseason are seniors Gianni Catalano and Joshua James. Catalano secured himself a trip to prelims by his performance at the Florida State Twilight meet two weeks ago. His time of 1:49.99 in the 800 gave him the 36th best time in the region.
James got himself a spot in the 400 hurdles race at the A-Sun Outdoor Conference Championships. His time of 52.00 seconds helped him get a first place and a spot in the prelims.
Competition kicks off next Thursday on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington. The Robert C. Haugh Track and Field complex is the backdrop for this year’s East region meet.
