Montana State senior Rob McManus took a tumble during the final lap but was still able to finish fourth in his heat and advance to the men’s 3000 meter steeplechase finals at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Wednesday in Eugene, Oregon.
McManus finished in 8:34.54, taking fourth in his heat and 9th overall out of 24 racers. He held the sixth fastest time in the field heading into Thursday’s action. His career-best time of 8:26.83 was set earlier this season at the Bryan Clay Invitational in April.
The Cashmere, Washington native was leading the race during the final lap but took a spill getting through the final water jump, allowing three competitors to pass him down the finishing stretch.
McManus recovered from a fall during the final water jump to finish fourth in his heat and earn an automatic qualifier to Friday’s finals.
McManus has now advanced to finals for the first time in his career after making his third straight appearance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. The steeplechase finals will take place on Friday at 6:24 p.m. MST.
Earlier on Thursday’s opening fay action, Bobcats sophomore Harvey Cramb competed in the 1500 meter semifinals. The Australian product was in the top half of the pack midway through the race but faded down the stretch to a last place finish in his heat, crossing the finish line in 3:44.57. Cramb’s heat was the faster of the two, so his time ended up ranking 12th out of 24 total runners between the two semifinal races.
Cramb faded during the final lap, taking last in his heat during the 1500 meter semifinals at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Still to come at this week’s national championships meet will be several more Bobcat competitors.
On Thursday, Billings native Hailey Coey will compete in the women’s long jump finals, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. MST.
Also on Thursday, the Montana State women’s 4×400 relay team will be in action for a semifinals race at 8:36 p.m. MST.
On Saturday, Seeley Lake native and Colorado State junior Klaire Kovatch will compete in the women’s discus, set to get underway at 1:30 p.m. MST.