May 29, 2010
GREENSBORO, N.C. - On the final day of the 2010 NCAA First and Second Rounds, the University of Cincinnati had four individuals and its 4x400 relay team compete for an opportunity to join teammate Brian Zimmerman at the 2010 NCAA Finals, which will be held June 9-12 in Eugene, Ore.
Sophomore Eric Finan stayed towards the front of the pack in the 5,000 meters, pushed the pace, and had the lead at the 1,400-meter mark, the 1,800-meter mark, and the 2,200-meter mark, but fell back around the 3,000-meter mark and ended up finishing 25th with a time of 14:26.56.
Senior Rick King, who was originally scheduled to run the 3,000 meter steeplechase last night but had to wait until Saturday because of inclement weather, ran a 9:22.05 in the event and placed 40th in his final meet as a Bearcat.
Juniors Chris Littleton and Troy Cooper rounded out their meets in the discus as Littleton placed 21st with a throw of 167' 11" and Cooper finished his season with a 45th-place showing.
Finally, the quartet of freshman Ethan Freet, freshman Maurice Norman, junior Chase VanCura, and senior Antione Drakeford looked to break the school-record in the 4x400 for the fourth time this season, but fell short after placing sixth in the third and final heat with a time of 3:10.00.
UC will have one athlete advancing to the NCAA Finals in Eugene, Ore., in Zimmerman, who will compete in the javelin on Thursday, June 10, at approximately 8:15 p.m. ET. Zimmerman placed fifth in the javelin on Friday with a throw of 222'.