Butler advances in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – Junior LaShawn Butler advanced to the next round of the 200 meters for Arkansas Razorback men’s track and field at the NCAA West preliminary rounds on Friday, at Mike A. Myers Stadium, in Austin, Texas.

Butler advanced to Saturday’s quarterfinals in the 200 meters. In the prelims, he finished 14th overall and third in his heat. He clocked a season-best time of 20.95.

"Before the race, I decided quitting is not an option," Butler said. "We are Razorbacks and we fight to the finish. I’m pretty happy with my race today and I’m thankful I have another chance to run tomorrow."

Freshman Caleb Cross finished 25th in the opening round of the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.40. He was the first left out of the quarterfinals. Sophomore Andrew Pennington was 36th in 14.74.

Sophomore Rick Elliott finished 43rd in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:20.45. Freshman Brede Raa Ellingsen was 14th in the high jump with a clearance of 6-11. They did not advance in their respective events.

Competition at the NCAA West prelims will continue at 12 p.m. on Saturday with the discus.