Columbus, OH — Junior Tyler Newhook effectively extended his stay at the 2010 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday evening, finishing fourth in his heat of the men's 800-meter run and qualifying for Saturday's finals in a time of 1:53.16.
Competing in the second heat of Friday's preliminary races, Newhook put a large group of fans and family through a multitude of emotions in under two minutes of race time: After holding second place in the six-team field after one lap, Newhook dropped to last place at the conclusion of the second lap.
Then, in the final 300 meters, Newhook added an extra kick, widening the gap between himself and the fifth- and sixth-place runners.
Overall, Friday's second heat was quicker than the first, as Newhook knew his time had qualified him for Saturday's final shortly after the event's conclusion.
“Tyler made the race interesting,” said Dale Fogelsanger, Messiah head coach. “But, he raced relaxed and confident. He adapted to the race very well.”
Two-time outdoor national champion Emmanuel Bofa of Whitworth University captured Friday's quickest time, running a 1:52.87 in Newhook's heat — and setting a new Capital Center Track record in the process. Newhook also bettered the previous track record of 1:53.78, set by Geoff Lambert of Wabash College in 2007.
Six of Newhook's teammates and four of Messiah's coaches made the trip to Capital University's Capital Center to support the Long Pond, Pa. native. Newhook will now compete in Saturday's 800-meters finals at 6:30 p.m. in lane three. Should Newhook successfully complete the race, he will earn his first All-American honor.
All 2010 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championship events are taking place at Capital's Capital Center. Fans can get live results — as well as a live video feed of events — at Capital University's official website for the 2011 national championships.
