LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Virginia men’s track and field team kickstarted competition on the opening day of the NCAA East Preliminaries on Wednesday (May 22) at the UK Outdoor Track & Field Facility in Lexington, Ky. as Will Anthony and John Fay punched their tickets to the NCAA Outdoor Championships while Shane Cohen, James Donahue, Gary Martin, Alex Sherman and Wes Porter each advanced to the quarterfinal round.
Anthony Punched His Ticket
Will Anthony qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in his career after finishing runner-up in the men’s 10,000m with his time of 29:08.24.
Fay Bound for Eugene
John Fay qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in his career after placing 11th in the men’s hammer throw with his mark of 64.65m/212-1.
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Fay bettered his 22nd place finish at the East Preliminary from a year ago where he threw for 62.65m/205-6.
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Fay continued his dominant sophomore campaign in the post season after the Barrington, R.I. native finished third at the ACC Outdoor Championships throwing for 66.55m/218-4.
- He will look to end the drought in pursuit of his first outdoor All-American status as the last Virginia athlete to earn honors at the NCAA meet was back in 2019 when Hilmar Orn Jonsson finished third throwing for 73.31m.
𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐘𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 🤩
John Fay punched his ticket to the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the men’s hammer throw finishing 11th with his mark of 64.65m/212-1!#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/7RfLYWUSrF
— Virginia Track & Field and Cross Country (@UVATFCC) May 22, 2024
Donahue, Martin and Porter Advance in 1500m
Virginia advanced three of four athletes to the quarterfinals of the men’s 1500m which will take place on Friday evening.
- The men’s 1500m quarterfinal will feature three Cavaliers including James Donahue, Gary Martin and Wes Porter.
- Despite being boxed in, Donahue ran a strong race crossing the line in 3:44.56 to finish fifth in his heat and earn an automatic qualifying position.
- Finishing second in the fourth heat, Martin stuck on the shoulder of the leaders for the duration of the race clocking 3:41.29 to earn an automatic bid to Friday’s quarterfinal where the sophomore will look to qualify for his first NCAA Outdoor Championship.
- Porter surged in the final lap to win his heat running 3:44.68 to earn his spot in the quarterfinals.
- Martin and Porter carry the momentum from the ACC Outdoor Championships where the…