More workmanlike than wowing, defending champion David Oliver ran a steady race to claim his second straight and third overall national 110 hurdles championship with a time of 13.04 at the U.S. Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR.
“It wasn’t a very good start, I stayed in the blocks a little longer to not false start. But I didn’t have to reinvent my wheel or get creative, I just needed to run my race,” said Oliver who set an American record of 12.89 just nine days ago.
2004 World Junior champion and 2009 World Championships team member Aries Merritt was second at 13.12. Third place went to 2003 World Youth double gold medalist Jason Richardson, who matched his 13.15 PR to claim his first-ever senior international team spot. Ronnie Ash, who began his career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring to Oklahoma, finished 6th.
Former MEAC performers Francena McCorory (Hampton) and Debbie Dunn (Norfolk State) finished second and third in the women’s 400m dash. McCorory had the fastest qualifing time going into the finals but was edged by Allyson Felix at the tape.
“It is never easy to run here,” said Felix. “The wind really played a factor out there today.”
Former HBCU performers will go for national titles in Sunday’s final day of action.
Former Saint Augustine’s College standout Bershawn “Batman” Jackson ran 49.13 seconds in the second semifinal heat Saturday to qualify for Sunday’s 400 meter hurdles finals.
Jackson, the three-time defending champion, placed second in his heat. Jeshua Anderson had the fastest overall time (48.99). The 400m hurdles final is scheduled for 5:02pm eastern time on Sunday.
Kellie Wells (Hampton) has advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 100m hurdles Sunday afternoon. If she qualifies, Wells will go for the title in the finals scheduled for 5:37pm eastern time.
Former Morehouse performer Keith Moffat is one of 17 finalists in the high jump also scheduled to conclude Sunday.
Full Article Referenced from Onnidan
