March 3, 2012
BIRMINGHAM - Junior Marcus Rowland and senior Ashley Cruder will make the trip to Boise, Idaho next week for NCAA Nationals after recording qualifying times in the men's and women's 60 meters at the University of Alabama High Tide Indoor Qualifier at the Birmingham Crossplex on Saturday.
"Ashley and Marcus both made the best of the situation," Auburn head coach Ralph Spry said. "They really stepped up and both ran great races. Marcus went out and ran his race. He had not only one of the best times in the SEC, but one of the top times in country. He's getting hot at the right time.
"Ashley transferred in from Florida State. She came in and has worked really hard and I'm really pleased. She struggled early last year, but she stayed with it and has been pretty solid all year long. It's always nice when you see a senior get to finish out strong. This is her last season as an Auburn Tiger, so I'm happy for her that she gets to end the indoor season with a trip to nationals."
In the men's 60 meter final, Rowland ran his fastest 60 meter race since 2010 with his time of 6.63 seconds. That mark tied him with teammate Keenan Brock for 11th-fastest in the nation this year and should ensure a berth to Boise.
Auburn will have three men (Rowland, Brock and Harry Adams) in the 60 meters.
Cruder set a new PR for the second-straight as she finished as the fastest collegiate in the event in 7.33 seconds. That mark gets the senior into the top 15 nationally and should also guarantee Cruder a spot in next week's championship event.
In the men's 200 meters, Keenan Brock set a new PR with a first place finish in 21.09 seconds. The mark gets him into the top 20 nationally, but he will need some help to be one of the final 16 that will advance outside the AQ marks.
Adams (60 meters), Kai Selvon (60 meters) and Stephen Saenz (shot put) have each reached the NCAA automatic qualifying mark. Additionally, four to five other student-athletes are expected to earn berths when the final lists are announced late Monday.
The Tigers will depart on Wednesday and make the trek to Boise for the 2012 NCAA Indoor Championships. Competition begins March 9. For the latest on Auburn track and field, follow @AUTrack on Twitter.