Hokie ClubJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Virginia Tech track & field team’s success continued on day two of the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds with four Hokies qualifying for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
A pair of throwers, Matija Muhar and Marek Barta, and 800-meter runners, Hanna Green and Patrick Joseph, posted top-12 marks in their respective events to advance on Friday at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
Javelin thrower Matija Muhar started the day strong for the Hokies with his 71.78-meter (235-6) qualifying mark. Matija Muhar sat in 12th through his first two attempts before finishing strong his third to move into the fourth spot.
“[Matijia Muhar] had to overcome a little adversity on his first two throws,” associate head coach Greg Jack said. “He managed to come through in the end to punch his ticket to Eugene was really impressive.”
Barta set the tone in the discus from the get-go, advancing to Eugene on his first throw of 58.65 meters (192-5) for his second appearane at the national meet.
“The qualifying throwers did a great job,” Jack said. “It was a little bit rougher of a meet than we’re accustomed to but we’re looking forward to going to nationals and bringing back some all-American awards.”
The Hokies’ distance group added two more qualifiers to Tech’s ten in all. After advancing from their preliminary rounds on Thursday, both Green and Joseph placed second in the women’s and men’s 800 meters, respectively.
“Hanna [Green] is an old pro at this now,” head cross country and distance coach Ben Thomas said. “She could be anxious with the small injuries she’s had lately but she never panics. Hanna controlled the situation the best she could. She took charge and cruised on in.”
Green led throughout the race before finishing second after the final straightaway in 2:02.69 as an automatic qualifier. This marks Green's third NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships appearance.
“To be running 2:02 at this meet, two weeks after ACCs where it was a lot harder for her, hopefully it’s a good sign heading to NCAAs,” Thomas said.
Joseph mirrored Green’s race, holding a lead throughout the race but crossed the line second in 1:48.41 to automatically qualify to the national meet. The NCAA Championships marks Joseph's first appearance at the outdoor meet, after placing 15th in the mile at the 2015 national indoor meet.
“I was thrilled to see [Patrick Joseph] get through,” Thomas said. “It’s tough being in the third heat, standing around and waiting with a lot of great performances going on. He responded really well and took charge of the race. I like when people race to their own terms and don’t let others dictate the outcome. Patrick definitely did that and gave himself his best chance to advance which paid off.”
In the 200-meter dash, Courtney Blanden set a new personal record of 23.69 in section one but it was not enough to qualify for the national meet.
Jaka Muhar added a top-25 finish for the men’s team in the javelin while Jordan Roach earned the 26th spot in the discus.
Erica Hjerpe represented the Hokies in the women’s pole vault, clearing 4.10 meters (13-5.25) on her second attempt.
Darren Barlow and Stuart Robertson wrapped up competition for the Hokies in section two of the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Robertson held steady in third place until slipping up in fifth lap and was unable to finish. Barlow clocked in at 9:15.26.
Tech wraps up the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds on Saturday afternoon at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.