Kansas’ Menefee advances to NCAAs

Six other Jayhawks in today's finals

? Mark Menefee placed third in the 5,000 meters for an automatic berth to the NCAA championships, and six other Kansas University track athletes advanced to today’s finals at the NCAA Midwest Regional.

The top five athletes in each event advance to the NCAA national meet June 11-14 at Sacramento, Calif. Menefee finished the 5,000 in 14:17.44.

“Everybody was taking the wind into consideration, so it was kind of an easy pace,” Menefee said.

“People were trying to get behind other people at the beginning, but about a mile and quarter to go I decided I was tired of running behind people and I thought I would go ahead and risk running in the wind. I think that maybe cost me the win, but I just felt like going.”

Colorado's Jorge Torres, right, leads Nebraska's James Bowler during the 1,500 meters. Bowler won the prelimary Friday at the NCAA Midwest Regional at Lincoln, Neb.

In the preliminaries, senior Anson Jackson, junior Leo Bookman and sophomore Jeremy Mims all qualified for today’s finals.

Jackson qualified in the 110 hurdles after matching his season-best time of 13.86. Mims won his 800 heat in 1:52.36.

Bookman, NCAA Indoor champion, won his 200 heat with a time of 20.47.

“I thought we had a very good day,” KU coach Stanley Redwine said. “They competed their butts off and did a very good job. We’re looking forward to doing well tomorrow. I was definitely excited with Mark Menefee placing third. That’s an automatic berth to nationals, and that’s what we’re here for.”

Three KU women also advanced. Junior Laura Lavoie (4:30.14) and sophomore Megan Manthe (4:33.04) finished second and third in the second heat of the 1,500. Sophomore Kim Clark made the finals in the 800, clocking 2:11.72.

Finals competition will begin at 10 a.m. today with field events. Running events start at 4 p.m.