Joe Thomas to Join Lanaro at NCAA Finals May 30, 2004– Northridge, CA
Joe Thomas triple jumped a school-record 51 feet, 11 1/4 inches Saturday
to earn fifth place at the NCAA Western Regional Track and Field Meet
at Cal State Northridge and earn a berth into the finals at the University
of Texas beginning June 9.
Thomas set the mark on his second jump in the event won by Allen Simms
of USC at 54 feet, 8 inches.
Teammate Aaron Williams came up one and one-quarter inches shy of qualifying
in the long jump. His best jump of 23 feet, 9 1/2 inches placed him seventh.
Fifth place and the final NCAA berth went to Boise State's Kendrick Johnson.
Neither Titan pole vaulter cleared a height. Giovanni Lanaro, who already
has qualified for the men's finals by virtue of his 16 foot, 4 1/2 inch
vault earlier in the season, passed until 17 feet, 7 inches and then missed
in three tries. Jennifer Clarke failed to make her opening height of 11
feet, 10 inches in the women's competition.
This will be the first time the Titans have qualified two individuals
to the NCAA Div. I finals. Brandon Campbell qualified in multiple events
a few years ago and last season Lanaro and the Titans' quarter-mile relay
team advanced.
For complete NCAA
regional results, go to:
http://www.gomatadors.com/trackfield_details.php?news_id=01406
