GULF SHORES, Ala. – Senior Cecilee Russell (Hillsboro, Ore.) made history on Thursday at the 2016 NAIA Track & Field National Championships, uncorking a school-record time in the 400m Hurdles en route to qualifying for the event finals. In doing so, she became Corban's first-ever female All-American in track & field.
"We are so excited for the entire group of athletes that went back to nationals, as all three placed in the top-16 of their respective events," said Corban head coach Norm Berney. "With Cecilee qualifying for the event finals, she becomes our first-ever female All-American, and we are thrilled with that accomplishment."
RESULTS
Russell, competing in the first heat of the 400m Hurdles, came from behind and finished strong, crossing the finish line in a school-record time of 1:02.71. The time was the seventh-fastest on the day, qualifying her for the event finals (top-eight qualify). With the school-record time qualifying her for the event finals for the first time in her four-year career, Russell will land on the podium regardless of her finish in the finals, as the top eight all earn All-America plaudits.
Staying on the women's side, junior Kelly Cruise (Salem, Ore.) qualified for the event finals in the Javelin. In the event finals, she launched a throw of 136' 8 ¾", just missing out on All-America honors with a ninth-place showing.
For the Warrior men, first-time competitor at the NAIA National Championships Christian Bohuslavizki (Santa Margarita, Calif.), competed against the top hurdlers in the NAIA. The sophomore finished in 13th overall in the prelims in the 400m Hurdles, clocking a time of 54.98 seconds. The time did not qualify him for the event finals.
Russell will have the second day of the NAIA Championships off to rest and train prior to the event finals which are set for Saturday. The Women's 400m Hurdles championship race is set for 2:10 p.m. PST. Viewers can watch the race online on the NAIA Network.
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