Air Force Opens Action at NCAA West Prelim

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With a pair of top-20 finishes, eight first-time qualifiers kicked off the West Prelim of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships for Air Force today (May 25) in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Senior Ryan Ioanidis led the Falcons' contingent with a 14th-place finish in the 10,000-meter run.

Ioanidis, who worked his way through most of the 48-runner field during the 25-lap race, clocked a time of 29:00.91 to finish 14th – marks just nine seconds and two places shy of advancing to the NCAA finals. Fellow senior Will Kitzhaber added a 34th-place time of 29:40.95.

Freshman Joe Nizich recorded the Falcons' second-highest finish on Wednesday, as he placed 16th in the javelin throw after equaling the second-best distance of his career – a toss of 216'3" – on his final attempt of the three-throw competition. Sophomore Caiden Macktinger cleared 16'0½" to tie for 33rd in the pole vault, while junior Jaret Prete recorded a distance of 188'4" to finish 43rd in the hammer throw.

The Falcons also competed in two first-round hurdle events today. Junior Cameron Harris and sophomore Philip Hundl finished 40th (14.29) and 44th (14.72), respectively, in the opening round of the 110-meter hurdles, while freshman Darek Hackett placed 45th (55.96) in the first round of the 400-meter hurdles.

Air Force returns to Arkansas' John McDonnell Field on Friday (May 27) afternoon, for the second day of men's competition at the NCAA West Preliminary. Newly-commissioned second lieutenant Jake Hall will open the day with the high jump competition at 2:30 p.m. (CT).

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Players Mentioned

Darek Hackett

Jake Hall

Cameron Harris

Philip Hundl

Ryan Ioanidis

Will Kitzhaber

Caiden Macktinger

Joe Nizich

Jaret Prete

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