JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Oscar Smith came into the NCAA East Regional looking to make the NCAA Championships for the first time in his third attempt. The senior hurdler set PRs on both days to accomplish that feat at the Visit Jax Field at Hodges Stadium.
 
Two days after qualifying with the top overall spot in the 110m hurdles, Smith won his heat and finished third overall to qualify for the semifinals in Eugene, Oregon, on June 11. After setting a personal best of 13.52 on Wednesday, he improved his time to 13.42.
 
Smith is the second Bulldog to reach the NCAA Championship under head coach Brian Johnson. He is the first Bulldog since Yusuf Muhammad to qualify in the hurdles since 2014 and the first male in the short hurdles since Monroe Ford in 1977.
 
To end the day, Tim Rummelhagen, Sabastian Bradley-Reed, Cullen Hronek and Valentino Rudolph combined to run a 3:09.15.
 
QUOTEBALES
Head Coach Brian Johnson
 
"I am proud of this men's group. We fought hard this year and made tremendous progress in the program. I am looking forward to continuing this journey with Oscar, who has qualified for nationals. He has the potential to make it to the finals." 
 
UP NEXT
The final day of the NCAA East Regional will have the Bulldogs in five events. Kaitlyn Washington will start the day with the discus at noon. A'reil Williams will participate in the high jump at 1:30 p.m. Jamara Patterson and Osaretin Joy Usenbor will be on the track at 5:50 p.m. for the 400m and then join the 4x400 at 7:45 p.m.

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