Friday, May 27, 2011

EUGENE, Ore. - Junior Jon DeGrave (Lake Villa, Ill.) became the first Drake men's track and field athlete since Jason Lehmkuhle in 2000 to qualify to the NCAA Outdoor Track And Field Championship after his quarterfinal effort in the 400-meter hurdles on Friday (May 27) at the NCAA West Regional.

DeGrave, a two-time Missouri Valley Conference champion in the 400-meter hurdles, was one of 12 athletes to advance from the NCAA West Regional. 

DeGrave was clocked in 50.59 breaking Dan Cleveland's school record of 50.73 at historic Hayward Field. DeGrave finished fourth in the second quarterfinal heat and had the 10th-fastest time at the regional to earn the chance to compete in front of a home crowd at Drake Stadium on June 8.

The semifinal round of the 400-meter hurdles will take place June 8 at 8:30 p.m. as DeGrave will be one of 24 competitors looking to earn one of the eight spots in the finals. The finals will occur June 10 at 6:45 p.m.