Two EIU Athletes Advance to NCAA Track & FIeld Championships

AUSTIN, Texas - Mick Viken became the second Eastern Illinois pole vaulter to qualify for the NCAA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships as he punched his ticket for Eugene, Oregon Saturday afternoon. Viken joins fellow female pole vaulter Jade Riebold as the Panthers representatives at the National Championships.

Viken cleared 17'8.50" to rank ninth based on number of attempts as the top 12 competitors advanced in the event. The top 11 vaulters all cleared 17'8.50" with the final spot being decided based on number of attempts.  Viken's mark matches his career best.

In other action Saturday David Johansson made the most of his last minute entry into the field as he placed 19th in the men's javelin. Johansson had a career best toss of 212'1". He was the 48th competitor in the field after a medical scratch Monday night.

After facing weather delays Friday that pushed events back into the late hours of the night, Jade Riebold was able to respond with a fifth place finish in the pole vault prelims to advance to the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships.

Riebold was one of six EIU athletes that competed Friday facing a multiple hour delay due to severe weather. The pole vault began at 1 p.m. with many athletes getting just one attempt before the delays began.  Competition resumed shortly after 8:15 p.m. on Friday night.

Riebold cleared 13'5.75" to move on to the National Championships in Eugene, Oregon.  The top 11 vaulters all cleared that height with a jump off determining he 12th and final spot. Riebold was fifth at the 13'5.75" height based on number of attempts.

Maura Cummins, a Newton High School graduate, was eliminated in the high jump prelims as she cleared 5'7" to place 26th.

The National Championships take place June 5-8 in Eugene.  Last year both Viken and Riebold advanced to the National Championships with both earning All-American honors.