Burke, Nickens, Surdej and Wray Selected for NCAA Track & Field East Prelim Championships
5/21/2021 12:43:00 PM | Track and Field
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On Thursday evening, the NCAA announced the 2021 Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Regional Championship selections. Four Bulls earned their way to the top-48 in their respective event in the East Region. Brandon Burke, Caleb Nickens, Jonathan Surdej and Sam Wray will travel down to Jacksonville, Fla. for this year's Regional Championship.
2021 NCAA Indoor High Jump All-American, 2021 Indoor and Outdoor Mid-American Conference champion, and 2021 Indoor and Outdoor MAC Field Athlete of the Year Brandon Burke qualified, with no surprise, for the 2021 Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Regional Championships. His outdoor jump of 2.20-meters ranks tied for ninth in the East Region. He looks to make the trip to Eugene, Ore. For the NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Oregon.
"We're all excited to see Brandon compete with some of the best jumpers in the nation again," stated Coach Nick Collins. "He has been jumping great lately and he looks ready to add to this year's accomplishments!"
The Bulls throwers have had a spectacular outdoor season. Surdej continued the streak of dominance in the MAC in the men's shot put as UB was once again crowned MAC Champion in the event. The Bulls have now won the event at the past 11 straight MAC Outdoor Championships. Surdej's top toss in the shot put is 17.77-meters and ranks tied for 43rd in the East Region.
Nickens ranks tied for 40th in the East Region with a distance of 60.92-meters in the hammer throw that he earned at the MAC Championships a few weeks ago.
In the eleventh hour, due to a medical scratch, Sam Wray qualified as the 48th participant in the discus. Wray's top distance this year is 52.17-meters that he earned at the Geneseo Roundtable Invite.
"This will be a great learning experience for Caleb, Jon and Sam," stated Coach Jim Garnham. "The first time you go there is to get experience the next time is to get to the big show and go for the gold."
"These four student-athletes have remained focused and determined despite the challenges that COVID has brought," stated Head Coach Vicki Mitchell. "They, along with the student-athletes that narrowly missed making the top-48, have been able to persevere throughout the last 15-month. Their tenacity is unmatched. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and contributions to our program and department."
This year's NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Regional Championships are set to begin on Wednesday, May 26 and run through Saturday, May 29. The University of North Florida will host this year's championships in their state-of-the-art facility, the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium.
For news and updates about the UB track & field teams, follow them on Twitter and check the official website of the UB Bulls.
2021 NCAA Indoor High Jump All-American, 2021 Indoor and Outdoor Mid-American Conference champion, and 2021 Indoor and Outdoor MAC Field Athlete of the Year Brandon Burke qualified, with no surprise, for the 2021 Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Regional Championships. His outdoor jump of 2.20-meters ranks tied for ninth in the East Region. He looks to make the trip to Eugene, Ore. For the NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Oregon.
"We're all excited to see Brandon compete with some of the best jumpers in the nation again," stated Coach Nick Collins. "He has been jumping great lately and he looks ready to add to this year's accomplishments!"
The Bulls throwers have had a spectacular outdoor season. Surdej continued the streak of dominance in the MAC in the men's shot put as UB was once again crowned MAC Champion in the event. The Bulls have now won the event at the past 11 straight MAC Outdoor Championships. Surdej's top toss in the shot put is 17.77-meters and ranks tied for 43rd in the East Region.
Nickens ranks tied for 40th in the East Region with a distance of 60.92-meters in the hammer throw that he earned at the MAC Championships a few weeks ago.
In the eleventh hour, due to a medical scratch, Sam Wray qualified as the 48th participant in the discus. Wray's top distance this year is 52.17-meters that he earned at the Geneseo Roundtable Invite.
"This will be a great learning experience for Caleb, Jon and Sam," stated Coach Jim Garnham. "The first time you go there is to get experience the next time is to get to the big show and go for the gold."
"These four student-athletes have remained focused and determined despite the challenges that COVID has brought," stated Head Coach Vicki Mitchell. "They, along with the student-athletes that narrowly missed making the top-48, have been able to persevere throughout the last 15-month. Their tenacity is unmatched. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and contributions to our program and department."
This year's NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Regional Championships are set to begin on Wednesday, May 26 and run through Saturday, May 29. The University of North Florida will host this year's championships in their state-of-the-art facility, the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium.
For news and updates about the UB track & field teams, follow them on Twitter and check the official website of the UB Bulls.
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