TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona completed day one of the Willie Williams Classic/ Dave Murray Distance Carnival, with five athletes earning regional qualifying marks in six events on the day. 

Megan Howard won the women’s shot put with her throw of 15.47m and finished in second in the hammer throw (59.50m).  Both distances are regional qualifying marks, and her throw in the hammer is personal best.  The mark in the hammer ranks No. 2 all time at Arizona.  Kelli Burton also competed in the hammer throw, placing third with her regional qualifying throw of 56.96m.

In the women’s 200 meters, Marquita Taylor and Nikki Martin both achieved a qualifying mark, as the duo finished one-two overall.  Taylor crossed the finish line in 23.68, with Martin not far behind in 23.86.  Ashley Gadson (24.51), Shevell Quinley (24.94) and Tifney Reeve (25.45) finished third through fifth respectively.

Quinley also competed in the long jump, where she placed second (5.85m).

In the women’s 1,500 meters, Irine Lagat (4:36.04), Mackenzie Edwards (4:37.72) and Marissa Urban (4:37.84) finished second through fourth, as each crossed the finish line within two seconds of each other. 

In the men’s shot put, Jarred Sola registered a regional qualifying mark of 17.33m to place sixth overall.

In the men’s 200 meters, Xiong Xuehan finished in fifth with his time 21.59.  Troy Harris (21.85, seventh), Jeremie Brower (22.12, eighth) and Antoine Cason (22.28, 10^th) all finished in the top 10 for the Wildcats.

The Willie Williams Classic will continue tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. MST.  Tickets for the Willie Williams Classic are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for youth. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the McKale ticket office (M-F, 9-5), or on the phone by calling 621-CATS.