Fleshner improves resume for nationals at La Crosse

LA CROSSE, Wis. - Bayley Fleshner took a big step towards qualifying for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships when she posted a personal-best effort in the 100-meter hurdles at the UW-La Crosse NCAA Qualifier on Thursday.

Fleshner ran a 14.43 to win the event, posting the No. 16 time in Division III in the process. She ran 14.57 in the preliminaries, but found an extra gear in the final.

"She really closed well and showed her competitive nature," head coach Dave Cleveland said. "She's running with some of the top hurdlers in the nation right now, so we feel good about where she's at."

A total of 22 athletes will be invited to the NCAA Championships in the 100 hurdles, which begin Thursday, May 22 in Delaware, Ohio. Friday, May 16 is the final day to qualify.

The junior from Rockwell, Iowa has come up just short of qualifying for nationals - indoors and outdoors - the last two years, but is running the fastest times of her career this spring. Thursday's 14.43 topped her previous personal best of 14.54 set last Saturday at the Iowa Conference Championships.

Simpson also sent a handful of men to brush up their resumes for a shot at nationals.

Isaac Frazier placed eighth in the high jump (6-3 1/2), Brad Vogel placed 11th in the 100-meter dash (10.88), Joe Farrand placed 21st in the 1500 meters (4:03.96) and Leif Jeppson came in 23rd in the 800 (1:58.00). 

Vogel narrowly missed qualifying for the finals in the 100 and Farrand's effort in the 1500 was season-best.

The lone relay competing in La Crosse was the 4x400. The quartet of Brice Sheeder, Matt Pearson, Triston Twedt and Anthony Burton came in seventh (3:23.20).

Fleshner and Vogel will compete at the North Central Gregory NCAA Qaulifier in Naperville, Ill. on Friday.