Greensboro, N.C. (EMUEagles.com) — Five members of the Eastern Michigan University men's and women's track and field teams competed on day one of the NCAA Regional Championships in Greensboro, N.C.
On the women's side, sophomore ReJeana Marigna and freshman Ashlee Abraham each competed in the 100-meter dash for the Eagles. The duo ran in the third of six heats and finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Marigna's time of 11.89 was good for 46th overall, while Abraham finished just behind her, 11.90, for 47th place.
In the men's 100-meter dash, junior Clint Allen ran a 10.63 and finished 37th overall. Allen was placed in the sixth heat where he finished in seventh place. Ackeem Forde also finished seventh in the sixth heat of the 400-meter dash. His time of 47.65 was good for 43rd overall.
Freshman distance runner Terefe Ejigu was the fifth Eagle to run on the opening day, but was one of 16 runners in the 10,000-meter run who did not finish.
Vanier Joseph, Curtis Vollmar, David Brent, Gerald Gersham, Jairus Saunders and Koleon Prescott are the other members of the men's squad who will compete over the course of the final two days of Regionals.
For the women, Abraham and Marigna, along with Margaret White and Naomi Andre, will compete in the 4x100-meter relay, while senior Jessica Novakowski will compete in the pole vault.
This is the first time in 30 years that the Regional Final has not included all event conference winners. Also new to this year's process, no scores will be awarded, and the top three finishers from each heat, plus next six best times, will advance to the quarter-finals. From there, the top three from each quarter-final, plus next best three times, will advance to the finals in Eugene, Ore. for the NCAA Championships June 9-12.
Men's 100-meter dash
37. Clint Allen 10.63 (sixth heat, 7th place in heat)
Women's 100-meter dash
46. ReJeana Marigna 11.89 (third heat, 7th place in heat)
47. Ashlee Abraham 11.90 (third heat, 8th place in heat)
Men's 400-meter dash
43. Ackeem Forde 47.65 (sixth heat, 7th place in heat)
Men's 10,000-meter run
DNF. Terefe Ejigu (one of 16 who DNF)
