No. 8/8 T&F’s Prosper Nnamdi Sets Nigerian Record in Day One of NCAA West Prelims

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Baylor track and field opened up the first day of the NCAA West Preliminaries at the John McDonnell Field on Wednesday. Two Baylor competitors punched their tickets to nationals, while seven others advanced to Friday's quarterfinal rounds.

Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi ("Zaza") exploded in his second attempt at the javelin throw, recording a 266-6 throw. That mark was far enough to break the 23-year-old national record held by Pius Bazighe and his own personal record set at the Michael Johnson Invitational. He won first in the event and advanced to the championship round at Hayward Field in Eugene.

Johnny Brackins was the second and final Bear to punch his ticket on Wednesday, placing seventh in the long jump with a mark of 25-5 ½. By placing in the top 12, his spot was also secured on the nationals-bound squad in two weeks.

The men's 400-meter hurdles saw Nathaniel Ezekiel clock a 50.39-second race, enough to finish sixth overall and advance to the quarterfinal round on Friday. Jayson Baldridge originally finished fast enough to qualify but was disqualified due to a trail leg infraction.

Elijah Morris and Brackins both qualified to the quarterfinals in the 110-meter hurdles, with Morris leading in 13.73 seconds and Brackins following in 13.92.

De'montray Callis qualified to the quarterfinals in both the 100 and 200 meters, finishing in 10.35 and 20.53 seconds, respectively. In the 100, Isaiah Cunningham auto-qualified to the quarterfinals with a 10.42-second mark.

Cole Hardan and Ben Conacher also had big showings on Day One. In the shot put, Hardan recorded a season-best mark of 61-0 ¾. Conacher cleared 17-0 ¼ in the pole vault to finish fifth in his flight and 20^th overall.

Day Two begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday featuring Hannah Link in the hammer throw. The remainder of the meet will be streamed on SEC Network +, and live results are available online.

For the latest news on the Baylor track and field team all season long, follow its official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @BaylorTrack.

No. 8/8 T&F’s Prosper Nnamdi Sets Nigerian Record in Day One of NCAA West Prelims

Players Mentioned

Jayson Baldridge

Johnny Brackins

De'montray Callis

Ben Conacher

Isaiah Cunningham

Nathaniel Ezekiel

Cole Hardan

Hannah Link

Elijah Morris

Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi

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