Austin, Tx. - Sam Houston's Chris Gilchrist came within six inches of qualifying for the national triple jump finals with his performance in the NCAA Division I West Prelimary Round at the University of Texas track stadium Saturday night.

Gilchrist finished 14th in the men's triple jump with a mark of 51' 4.5". The top 12 finishes in each event at the three-day meet earned the right to advance to the NCAA national finals in June in Eugene, Or. Jeremiah Jones of Wyoming was the 12th place finisher and last national qualifier with a leap of 51' 10.5".

In other Bearkat action Saturday, Scottie Jones ended his attempt for an NCAA finals berth by finishing 24th in the semi-finals of the men's 110 meter hurdles Saturday night, posting a time of 14.43 seconds.

Jones earned his spot in the semi-finals with a 17th place performance in the first round Friday night, posting a time of 14.31.

Ambra McCuin placed 27th in the women's triple jump with a mark of 40' 9.5".

Seven Sam Houston State athletes competing in the NCAA Division I West Prelimary Round. 

Gilchrist was the only Bearkat to compete in two events. He also finished 18th and A. J. Edwards 38th in the long jump competition Thursday night. Gilchrist jumped 24' 2.5" on his third attempt of the evening. Edwards posted a mark of 22' 5.25".  

Jay Newman was 38th in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 53.37 seconds. Sabrina Starr placed 40th in the women's 100 meter hurdles with a time of 14.15. Jordan Heggie, Sam Houston's other participant, did not finish the race. 

SAM HOUSTON STATE ENTRIES IN THE
NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD PRELIMINARY ROUND
MAY 27-29 IN AUSTIN TEXAS