Former Razorback sprinters advance at Trials

EUGENE, Ore. – Competition in the first round of the 200 meters featuring former Razorbacks Wallace Spearmon, Jr., and LaShawn Butler began Friday at the 2012 USA Olympic Trials. Both qualified for the semifinal round of the event which will be run Saturday. The Olympic Trials runs through Sunday afternoon at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Running in heat one, Spearmon (2004-05) was the top qualifier in the event with his wind-aided run of 20.17 in the first round. He is one of four men in the world and only American to dip below 20 seconds this season. In the final heat of the 200 meters, Butler (2010-11) posted a time of 20.62 to finish fourth in his heat and 14th overall. The semifinal round of the 200 meters will be run Saturday at 8 p.m. (CT).

Dorian Ulrey (2009-11) finished in seventh place in heat one of the semifinal round of the 1,500 meters. In the race which featured a late kick, Ulrey crossed the finish line in a time of 3:52.15. With the second-fastest time of the two at-large spots, he had to await the finish of heat two. However, Ulrey’s time did not stand up to the faster second heat and he did not advance to the event final.

In addition to Spearmon and Butler competing in the next round of the 200 meters, former Razorback Nkosinza Balumbu will be in action Saturday. Balumbu (2006-09) will be competing in the event final of the triple jump which is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m.

Day eight of the 2012 Olympic Trials will be televised from 8-9 p.m. (CT) on NBC. For more information regarding Razorback track and field or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Friday Results
Former Razorbacks
200 Meters (first round)
1. Wallace Spearmon, Jr. – 20.17Q
14. LaShawn Butler – 20.62Q

1,500 Meters (semifinals)
19. Dorian Ulrey – 3:52.15 (7th/1)

Q – qualified for next round