Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
NCAA West Regional (Day 1)
Sanchez Qualifies for NCAA Championships
5/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
May 28, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Rosario Sanchez knew exactly what she needed to do Thursday.
After redshirting in 2009 due to injury, Sanchez wanted to get back to the NCAA Championships this season. As a freshman, Sanchez earned automatic qualification to the Championship when she took fourth at the West Regional.
But this year, the rules are different. Rather than the four Regionals with automatic qualifying places and at-large bids based upon season-bests, a competitor has to step up this weekend and finish in the Top 12 at one of the two Regionals to continue their season.
And that's exactly what Sanchez did.
Sanchez threw a 50-11 (15.52m) in the shot put to take 12th place and earn a spot at the NCAA Championships in two weeks.
The Selma High School graduate is the first of the 11 Bulldogs at the Regional to secure a spot at the Championships.
A handful of Bulldogs also competed in preliminary races at the Regional in Austin, Texas, Thursday.
All-American Latrisha Jordan posted a season-best 58.91 in the 400-meter hurdles to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Kendrick Young ran a season-best in the 400 hurdles as well, timing a 51.94 to earn a spot in the quarterfinals.
Frank Sanders won a spot in the quarterfinals of the 1,500, timing a career-best 3:44.15.
NCAA Regional action resumes Friday.
We Are Your Team! - Follow the NCAA West Regional action live .
Players Mentioned
