June 10, 2011
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Auburn sprinter Nieva Smith finished second in her heat and eighth overall to advance to Saturday's finals in the women's 200 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Jim Duncan Track on the Drank University campus, Thursday. The Tigers had four individuals and one relay competing during Day Two of the four day meet.
Smith qualified for the finals after running a 22.80. Kai Selvon just missed the finals in the 200, finishing ninth overall in 23.07, her season's best. Senior Sheniqua Ferguson was 12th overall in the prelims after posting a time of 23.11.
Sophomore Maya Pressley, competing in her second consecutive NCAA Championship cleared 5-10.75 (1.80m) to finish in 13th. A two-time SEC Champion in the event, Pressley was 10th at last year's NCAA outdoor meet.
The women's 4x400 meter relay team, ranked fifth nationally entering the meet, was set to begin the third heat in the event, however, inclement weather hit the area and forced the meet into a delay. The Tigers' heat was eventually postponed until Friday.
"Today was a big day, particularly on the women's side in terms of movement to get in position to be a factor the last day," Auburn head coach Ralph Spry said. "We missed a few opportunities, but the bright side is we got Nieva through in the 200 meters and hope that we can get the 4x400 relay through once they have a chance to compete."
Auburn, which did not have any men competing on Thursday, will have its busiest day of the championships Friday with five athletes competing in five events. Freshman D.J. Smith will complete in the men's high jump, while freshmen Marcus Popenfoose and SEC Champion Stephen Saenz will throw the shot put.
"Tomorrow's a big day for the men with two shot putters and on the women's side we have a chance to put some points on the board with Joanna Atkins," Spry said. "Joanna has previously won a national champion, so she is experienced and knows how to perform at this level. We look forward to our athletes to come out and compete hard Friday."
The Tigers will be represented in both the men's and women's 100 meters with Keenan Brock and Sheniqua Ferguson.
Senior Joanna Atkins will highlight the events on the women's side. Ranked third nationally in the 400, will run in the event at 7:55 p.m. with teammate CeCe Williams.
Friday's events start at 3 p.m. with field events. Running events will begin at 6:35 p.m.
Auburn Results, Day 2:
Women's 200 Meters, Semifinals
7. Nieva Smith, 22.80
9. Kai Selvon, 23.07
12. Sheniqua Ferguson, 23.11
Women's High Jump, Finals
13. Maya Pressley 1.80m (5-10.75)
Women's 4x400 Meter Relay, Semifinals
Postponed until Friday due to weather