GREENSBORO, N.C. - Appalachian State track and field standouts Malcolm Styers and Darius Purcell will be in action this weekend in the NCAA Preliminary Rounds on the campus of North Carolina A&T.
The duo qualified by virtue of posting marks that rank among the top-48 performances in their respective events in the east region. The format of the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships differs slightly from years past in that rather than an athlete having to meet a qualifying standard in order to earn a spot in one of the four regional championships, the top-48 athletes in each event reserve a spot in the NCAA Preliminary Rounds. This year, the preliminary sites are at Greensboro and Austin, Tex. Following this weekend's action, the top-12 performers from each preliminary site will advance to the championship rounds in their events in Eugene, Ore. June 9-12.
Styers was the only Mountaineer athlete (male or female) to qualify for two events at this weekend's preliminary. The Hickory native, who swept conference titles in the shot put, discus and hammer throw at last month's SoCon Outdoor Championships, will participate in the shot and hammer throw at A&T. Styers' season-best mark of 55-8.50 in the shot ranks 45th in the east preliminary field, while his effort of 194-11 in the hammer places 40th in the region. Styers will begin his quest for a spot in the NCAA Championship round at 11 a.m Thursday with the hammer throw competition, and will return Friday at 3 p.m. for the shot put.
Purcell earned a spot in the high jump preliminary with a leap of 6-11.75 which ranks 40th in the east region. As a freshman in 2009, Purcell qualified for a spot in the NCAA East Regional meet, and will look to build upon that experience as he returns to national competition this weekend at Greensboro. Purcell, who finished second in the high jump at last month's SoCon Outdoor Championships, will begin action Friday at 5 p.m.
Live updates throughout the weekend will be available by clicking on the link at the top of the page, and GoASU.com will provide a full recap following each day's action.
