BYU qualifies 23 for NCAA regional meet

PROVO — BYU men's and women's track teams took control Saturday of the Clarence Robison Invitational, as 23 athletes turned in NCAA Regional-qualifying performances on the meet's final day.

Utah State qualified four athletes, Weber State added three and Vanessa Mortensen, who won the women's hammer throw with a lob of 193 feet, 6 inches, was the lone Utah competitor to qualify Saturday.

BYU performed particularly well in the mid- and long-distance track events, led by Derek Taylor's victory in the men's 3000-meter steeplechase. Taylor became the fourth Cougar to qualify for NCAA Regional competition in that event this year.

BYU men's coach Mark Robison credited decreased winds for Saturday's strong performances. High winds on Friday had "destroyed" many events, he said.

"Days like today are the days you pray for," he said. "It was a good wind today, just a beautiful day, and the kids ran really, really well."

The Cougars also did well in the mile, sweeping four of the top six spots. Josh McAdams and Dustin Bybee, who finished first and third, respectively, had already qualified for the NCAAs and will now be joined by teammates Tyrel Jensen and Miles Batty, who posted qualifying times in finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.

BYU also had four athletes — Chris Carter, Ben Gardner, Jacob Garlick and Nate Rencher — who posted qualifying times in taking four of the top five spots in the men's 400 meter hurdles. Only Garlick had qualified previously.

Sprinter Paul Smith, who had already qualified as a member of the 4x100 relay and in the 200 meter sprint, added the 100 meter to his resume of NCAA qualifications.

"I'm really pleased,' Robison said. "This meet was really a fun meet because it wasn't huge, but it had good competition."

The BYU women were led by Rena Chesser, who qualified in the 1500 meter run, and Nicole Nevitt, who qualified in the 400 meter hurdles. Freshman Mindy Neeley didn't post any regional-qualifying performances but was strong nonetheless for BYU in capturing the 100 meter sprint, the 200 meter sprint and helping the 4x100 meter relay team to victory as well.

"I'm extremely pleased," BYU women's coach Craig Poole said. "This team is starting to really excel."

Utah State did well in both 400 meter hurdles competitions, as Amber Judd finished second in the women's competition and Scott Bell finished second in the men's. Both qualified for the regional meet as well.