Wilson Soars Into Triple Jump Finals at NCAAs

Nine-time All-American Aarik Wilson made it past the qualifying round of the triple jump.

7/6/2005 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field

June 10, 2005

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-- It was a quick and easy afternoon for senior IU jumper Aarik Wilson in the qualifying round of the triple jump at the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The Fallon, Nev., native needed to meet the automatic qualifying standard of 16.50m (54-01.75) to advance to tomorrow's final and he did so on his second attempt. His mark of 16.79m (55-1.00) is his second-best this season.

Wilson, who was one of three automatic qualifers on Friday will contend for the triple jump title tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.

Rodrigo Mendes of Brigham Young enters tomorrow's final with the best mark (17.54m/57-06.50), followed by Allen Simms of Southern California (16.94m/55-07.00) and Wilson.

In addition to his final tomorrow, two other Hoosiers will compete. Junior Sean Jefferson goes at 6:20 p.m. in the 1,500m final, and junior Stephen Haas will take part in the 5,000m final beginning at 7:50 p.m.