LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Drake University track and field teams closed out competition at the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday afternoon with Emma Huston (Des Moines, Iowa) and Mary Young (Urbandale, Iowa) competing for the Bulldogs.
Huston, competing in her final race as a Bulldog, ran with the leaders for much of the 5,000 meters but could not hold that pace, finishing in 30th in 17:03.31. Due to inclement weather and a revised schedule, the senior and MVC Champion in the event competed just a day after running in the 10,000 meters. Without the anticipated day of rest between the two grueling events, Huston slid towards the middle of the pack as the race progressed, finishing outside of the top 12 that advanced to the NCAA Championships.
The race capped a phenomenal career for Huston who broke four school records, won an MVC Championship, was a four-time All-MVC selection and a three-time MVC Elite 18 Award winner.
Drake's other competitor on the day, Mary Young, finished 35th in the quarterfinals of the women's 100-meter hurdles in 13.77.
Saturday's competition at the NCAA West Preliminary ends the season for the bulk of the track and field teams. However, in action on Friday, Reed Fischer (Minnetonka, Minn.) finished sixth in the men's 10,000 meters to advance to the NCAA Championship.
Fischer was originally scheduled to compete in Saturday's 5,000 meters, but elected to scratch from the event to focus on preparing for the NCAA Championships.
