Rozario, Thomas Give USF Its Third and Fourth National Qualifiers

Courtesy: USF Release: 05/29/2010 Meet Results | NCAA East Prelim Information | Day 1 Recap | Day 2 Recap GREENSBORO, N.C. - Sophomores Nicole Rozario and Jared Thomas followed in the footsteps of a pair of teammates as the University of South Florida track and field duo qualified for the NCAA National Championships during the third and final day of action at the NCAA East Preliminary Round. Rozario, expected to run Friday night in the 3,000 steeplechase, instead had to run Saturday morning after heavy rains and lightning forced the postponement of the race. She placed eighth overall to earn a spot at the national meet June 9-12 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. "It's exciting because I've always wanted to run there," said Rozario. "I didn't get to go last year (when she was hurt for the USA Junior National Championships). I still don't believe that I made it. Coach (Dena) Reif has been telling me that was our goal since the beginning of the season. It feels very good to see that goal come to life." Thomas, meanwhile, just squeaked by to get to Oregon, taking 12th overall in the discus at the Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T. The top 12 finishers in each event at the East Prelim will advance to nationals to meet the top 12 finishers from the West Prelim. Rozario placed second behind Ashley Higginson of Princeton in the second heat, running a time of 10:30.36. The top three finishers in each of the three heats advanced to the Championships along with the next three best times. Rozario's eighth-place finish among a field of 48 equaled her East Region ranking coming into the meet. For the rest of the story, visit: GoUSFBulls.com http://pjtampabay.com

Release: 05/29/2010

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