TAMPA, Fla. (May 24, 2018) – In the Round of 48, Howard University sophomore hurdler
Uchechi Onuoha moved a step closer to reaching Eugene, Ore. as she qualified for the women's 400-meter hurdle quarterfinals at the NCAA Preliminary East Round in Tampa, Fla.
The Pennsylvania native finished top 3 in her heat by posting a personal best (58.10).
"I had a really good warmup," Onuoha stated after today's race. "I always come out and warmup really fast because it's going to help me race fast. My coaches knew I was physically ready but helped me mentally as well. The difference between this year and last year was being poise and focusing on myself, not other runners from bigger schools."
Director for Track and Field
David Oliver was pleased with Onuoha's performance but knows she must dig deep to make Oregon.
"The name of the game is surviving and advancing," said Director Oliver. "Every school is here from East of the Mississippi [River] so for her to do that, it's great. She follows directions and she's a pleasure to coach. All she needs to do is compete like today and she'll punch her ticket to Oregon."
Onuoha placed second in the heat after being edged out by Miami's Samantha Gonzalez (58.05). To take the next step, Onuoha must repeat her efforts to be among the top 12.
"I have to run the same race, but finish a lot stronger," Onouha added. "I was out in front today and it shocked me a little. Obviously, I know it's going to be a strong field, but I know it's in reach. It comes down to who wants it more."
Onuoha seeks to become the first Howard student-athlete to reach the NCAA Championship Round since 2010.
In the NCAA Preliminary Quarterfinals, 24 student-athletes remain with 12 spots to Eugene, Oregon on the line.
To view all results from Thursday's competition, please
Click Here.
Onouha competes Friday, May 25 with a new start time at 2:45 p.m. on the campus of South Florida.
Fans can follow Onuoha via
live results and
live video.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
