April 17, 2009
AUBURN, Ala. - Four members of the Auburn men's and women's track and field teams posted regional qualifying marks in a special invitational 1500 meters Friday night during the War Eagle Invitational at Hutsell-Rosen Track.
Junior Felix Kiboiywo won the men's race, clocking a personal-best time of 3:42.30 which is third best in the NCAA this season and also ranks third in school history. He qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional along with two other Tigers: freshman Julian Matthews, who was fourth in 3:46.79, and junior Jean-Pierre Weerts, who placed fifth in 3:47.09.
In the women's 1500 meters, sophomore Amber Riley also qualified for the NCAA Regionals, making the cut with a time of 4:25.73 while finishing fourth. Her time ranks sixth in Auburn outdoor history.
Also racing in the men's event was junior Elkanah Kibet, who was sixth in 3:48.96, and junior Scott Novack, who placed seventh in 3:50.04. Sabrina Fischer was eighth in the women's race in 4:36.59.
Also on Friday, freshman Chelsey Thomas finished second in the heptathlon, scoring 4,516 points which ranks 10th in Auburn history.
Junior Valentina Srsa placed second in her first hammer throw competition of the season, posting a mark of 50.24 meters (164-10). Freshman Wesley Wright competed in the men's hammer throw, but fouled on all three of his attempts.
The majority of the War Eagle Invitational will take place on Saturday at Hutsell-Rosen Track. Field events begin at 10:30 a.m., and running events start at noon. The meet is free to the public.