Bermuda athletes head to NCAA Championships

MONDAY, MAY 28: Aaron Evans ran a season best for the University of Georgia Bulldogs on Friday to win the 800 metres at the East Regionals.

Evans, who clocked 1:47.31, advanced to the NCAA National Championships, which will be held in Des Moines, Iowa on June 6.

Two years ago Evans was third in the 800 metres and will be one of the favourites to end up on the podium again.

Bermuda Track and Field president Donna Watson said: “We have had some good results this weekend with our athletes participating in their championships and regional championships.

“Each time Aaron runs he is creeping closer to the Olympic qualifying standard of 1:46.30.  There is no doubt that he will run this time at the NCAA as the quality of the field will surely push him to that level.”

Arantxa King was third in the long jump at the West Regionals with a leap of 6.55m.

That is just outside the Olympic qualifying standard of 6.65m. She also placed ninth in the triple jump with a leap of 12.82m, which means she is booked to compete in both events at the NCAAs.

Watson said: “To be in the top three Arantxa will need to jump that Olympic qualifying standard and she is in great condition to accomplish that.”

Taylor Ashley Bean just missed on qualifying for the NCAAs by finishing 14th in the 800 metres. She had to be in the top 12 from regionals to advance to the National Championships.

Watson said: “Unfortunately Taylor Ashley Bean had a difficult time running in Colorado in high altitude.  If your body is not used to running in high altitude it is very difficult. Taylor placed 14th in a time of 2:16.34 well outside her best of 2:10.53. 

“All in all Taylor has had a great season so far and we look forward to a great performance from her at Bermuda's National Championships and CAC Jnr.”

Dage Minors set a new school record at St Johnsbury Academy in the 800 metres. Minors ran a 1:55.44, which bettered the old mark of 1:57.

Minors was also picked as the Male Athlete of the Week. For the past two years he has been a part of St Johnsbury’s undefeated 400 metre and 800 metre relay teams.