Batchelor qualifies for NCAA meet

AUSTIN, Texas – Sophomore Tarik Batchelor was the first to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships for Arkansas Razorback men’s track and field at the NCAA West preliminary rounds on Thursday, at Mike A. Myers Stadium, in Austin, Texas.

"It was good to see Tarik Batchelor bounce back," head coach Chris Bucknam said. "He’s back in the mix and ready to represent us at the NCAA meet. I’m pleased with Patrick Russell’s effort and personal-best time in the 1,500 meters. We are a tired team but we are going to fight back tomorrow."

Sophomore Tarik Batchelor finished sixth in the long jump and advanced to the NCAA Championships, in Eugene, Ore, June 9-12. His best jump of the day measured 25-6, a season best. Sophomore Terry Prentice also competed in the long jump. He finished 29th with a jump of 23-7.25.

In the opening round of the 1,500 meters, junior Patrick Russell finished seventh in his heat and 26th overall with a personal-best time of 3:45.78. He was just two spots away from advancing to Saturday’s quarterfinals. Junior Michael Chinchar was 11th in his heat and 44th overall (3:59.95).

Sophomore Ben Skidmore finished 26th in the 400 meters with a time of 48.45. Freshman Drew Butler finished 46th in the 800 meters with a time of 1:53.43. Junior Luke Laird finished eighth in his flight and 25th overall in the javelin with a toss of 196-1. They did not advance to the next rounds in their respective events.

Freshmen Eric Fernandez and Solomon Haile and junior Lane Boyer did not finish the 10,000 meters.

Competition at the NCAA West prelims will continue at 4 p.m. on Friday with the high jump.