KU-hosted track regional runs Thursday-Saturday

Kansas University’s men’s and women’s track and field teams will play host to the 2016 NCAA West Preliminary track and field championships today through Saturday at Rock Chalk Park.

The meet is one of two qualifying events — the other in Jacksonville, Fla. — for the NCAA Outdoor meet, June 8-11, in Eugene, Ore. The West prelims include athletes from 121 Div. I schools west of the Mississippi River. Athletes here rank in the top 48 in their event in the country. One must finish in the top 12 out of 48 to qualify for the NCAAs.

KU’s men’s team features 16 athletes, plus a 4×400 relay team, earning 17 entries in the meet. The KU women feature 11 athletes and two relays, totaling 15 entries.

KU senior Daina Levy, who won the Big 12 hammer throw in 218 feet, 3 inches, will compete in the hammer at 4 p.m. today. She will throw the discus at noon Friday. Junior Mitchell Cooper, who won the Big 12 discus (192-7), will compete in that event at 4 p.m. Friday. Sharon Lokedi, who won the 10,000 at the Big 12, will compete at 9 p.m. today. Track events run from 4:30-9:40 p.m. today, 5-9:30 p.m. Friday and 6-9:45 p.m. Saturday.

Field events run from noon-6:45 p.m. today; noon-5 p.m. Friday and 3-6:30 p.m. Saturday. For a schedule of events go to http://on.ncaa.com/1RrYU7b