Six Mountaineers Soar to NCAA East First Round: A Journey of Excellence in Track and Field
BOONE, N.C. – In a spectacular show of athletic prowess, six talented Mountaineers have officially qualified for the NCAA East First Round. This exciting announcement came straight from the NCAA website on Thursday, sending waves of anticipation through the Appalachian State community.
Mountaineers Competing: Key Athletes
Leading the charge are graduate student Patrick Freeman, redshirt senior Calbert Guest, and junior Ava Studney, alongside sophomores Matthew Gray and Kendall Johnson, and freshman Lilly Nichols. Each athlete brings unmatched skill and determination to the field, showcasing the bright future of the Mountaineers.
Event Details: Where and When to Tune In
The NCAA East First Round will unfold at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, from May 28 to 31. Fans can catch all the thrilling action live on ESPN+, offering a front-row seat to all the excitement.
Champion Minds: Returning Competitors
Among the competitors, a dynamic trio of Mountaineers will be making their second appearances at this prestigious event. Matthew Gray and Ava Studney will return for consecutive appearances in the men’s and women’s pole vault competitions, respectively, having qualified in 2024. Meanwhile, Calbert Guest is set to grace the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium once more, returning after a gripping performance in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase last year.
Day One: Men’s Pole Vault Showdown
The action kicks off on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with Freeman and Gray taking to the pole vault. This duo shattered the school record at the App State Open (April 18-19) with impressive clearances of 5.35m (17′ 6.5"). Gray continued to break barriers, first clearing 5.38m (17′ 7.75") at the Sun Belt Championships, which secured him a silver medal and Second Team All-Sun Belt honors. His recent clearance at 5.43m (17′ 9.75") at the Sunday Night Qualifier (May 18) positions him favorably. Gray and Freeman now rank 14th and 19th, respectively, in the final NCAA East First Round Qualifying List.
Day Two: Trailblazers Among Women Athletes
On Thursday at 5:30 p.m., the Mountaineers will see Johnson, Nichols, and Studney compete. The women’s pole vault will feature Nichols, who not only broke the program record twice this spring but also secured silver and Second Team All-SBC honors at the Sun Belt Championships with a phenomenal clearance of 4.16m (13′ 7.75"). Studney also made waves with a personal best at 4.11m (13′ 5.75"), placing her second on the App State all-time list.
Later that evening, Johnson will dash into the first round of the women’s 100 meters at 7 p.m., where the top 24 finishers will advance to the quarterfinals. Johnson currently holds the 25th spot on the qualifying list, clocking in at 11.33 seconds at the Sun Belt Championships, just a fraction away from the program record set by Lamonda Miller in 1989.
Friday’s Spotlight: Guest in the Steeplechase
As the excitement builds, Calbert Guest will compete in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase on Friday at 5:40 p.m. The standout athlete sits 17th on the qualifying list after breaking the program record at the Penn Relays (April 24-26) with a remarkable time of 8:42.01. His efforts earned him the title of Sun Belt Men’s Track Athlete of the Week, highlighting his exceptional talent.
The Path to Glory: Advancing to Championships
Athletes at the NCAA East First Round will battle fiercely for a spot at the NCAA Championships, set to take place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon from June 5-8. The top 12 finishers in individual events and relay events will earn their ticket to compete at this elite level.
Conclusion: A Community Behind the Athletes
As these six Mountaineers gear up for a thrilling championship run, they carry the hopes and enthusiasm of a proud community. Tune in to support these outstanding athletes as they strive to achieve greatness on the national stage. Their journey is not just about personal records; it is a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of the entire Mountaineers family.
For more insights on the Mountaineers, visit App State Sports.
