JACKSONVILLE, FL— The Iona College men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams continued their strong performance in Day 2 of the NCAA Division 1 East Prelims with junior Brandon Allen qualifying for the 3,000-meter Steeplechase semifinal.
Allen took the track in heat three of the steeplechase and nabbed the 12th and final qualifying spot for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships semifinal thanks to a new personal-best of 8:42.83. He bested his previous mark by almost five and half seconds. The semifinals will take place Wednesday June 8 at 5:02 pm PT/ 8:02 pm ET.
Allen becomes the first Iona men’s competitor to reach the NCAA Championships since Matthew Gillespie ran in the 5,000-meter in 2014.
Senior Xavier King closed out his Iona career finishing 29th in the steeplechase with a time of 8:58.57. Sophomore Johannes Motschmann finished behind him in 31st with a time of 9:00.27, marking the end of his strong season.
Sophomore Jessica Scheriff was the lone Gaels women’s competitor, as she competed in women’s 3,000 Steeplechase. Scheriff closed out her season, finishing 33rd overall with a time of 10:33.13.
The Maroon & Gold wrap up the NCAA East Prelims tomorrow with the 5,000-meter run. Senior Tara Jameson will look to continue her stellar performance at 8:05 pm. While sophomores Liam Dee and Chartt Miller alongside freshman Sebastian Hendel race in the men’s 5,000-meter run at 8:45 pm.
Men’s Results
3,000 Steeplechase: Brandon Allen, 11th, 8:42.83; Xavier King, 29th, 8:58.57; Johannes Motschmann, 31st, 9:00.27.
Women’s Results
3,000 Steeplechase: Jessica Scheriff, 33rd, 10:33.13