EUGENE, Ore. -- Weber State’s Brett Hales has qualified for the
finals of the men’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s
Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Hales ran a career
best time of 8:45.28. The top six runners from each heat, and next two best
times, advance to the finals on Friday, June 11th at 6:00 p.m. (PDT). Hales’
time was the 12th and final qualifying time.
But instead of pursuing a bid for All-America status on Friday, Hales
will be on a plane early Thursday morning to be back in Ogden, Utah for his
wedding on Friday.
“Brett ran a great race and looked really comfortable all the
way,” said WSU men’s track coach, Dan Walker. “His time nearly
made our top ten list, which is an accomplishment in itself. We were all excited
about his performance and we wish him well on Friday, and the rest of his life,
with his marriage. I know he is looking forward to next season with even more
determination to improve and crack the top ten list.”
After watching his teammate run in Heat One, Jace Nye ran in Heat Two. Nye was well in the mix and knew he had to at
least match or best Brett Hales’ time in order to qualify. According to Walker,
he look steady most of the race but ran out of gas the final 800 meters and
finished 10th in a time of 8:51.49.
"Jace had a great effort for 2,200 meters but just couldn’t
muster enough strength down the stretch,” said Walker. “We are
going to miss Jace. He’s been a very positive person in our program and has done
everything we’ve asked him to do without any hesitation. He is going to been
very successful in any endeavor he pursues.”
Courtesy: Robert Casey