June 11, 2014

Men’s Results | Women’s Results

EUGENE, Ore. – Two relays and three individuals competed on the first day of the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s historic Hayward Field on Wednesday.

After running the No. 3 4×100-meter relay time in program history (38.98) at the NCAA Preliminary Round, the team of Kendall Kee, Chris Royster, Eric Winfrey and Brandon Sanders put together a time of 39.57 today. The foursome was in the mix for the majority of the race, and tried to make down the backstretch and around the final turn. They were unable to take the field, finishing fourth in their heat. The team was 14th overall.

Tyler Brockington gave the Gamecocks a strong start on the leadoff leg of the women’s 4×100-meter relay, but in a fast heat, South Carolina could not break into the top two for an automatic spot in the finals. The team of Brockington, Tamera Harris, Ahtyana Johnson and Alexis Murphy took fourth in their heat and 12th overall with a time of 44.54.

Royster returned to the track a few hours later for the 100-meter dash semifinals, but a cramp derailed his efforts 40 meters into the race and he was unable to finish. Royster is slated to run in the 200-meter semifinals tomorrow.

In his NCAA debut, freshman Jussi Kanervo went out strong and fast in his 400-meter hurdle semifinal heat, but couldn’t keep the tempo. Kanervo came in at 52.80 to take 21st overall.

Brockington was the second Gamecock to run two races on Wednesday, taking the track for the 400-meter hurdles after the 4×100-meter relay. Brockington stayed with the field for most of the race, but finished 19th overall.

Tomorrow, competition at Hayward Field continues, with the Gamecocks’ day beginning with Royster and Johnson in the men’s and women’s 200-meter dash semifinals at 7 p.m. ET. The women’s 4×400-meter relay will take the track at 9:40 p.m. ET in the semifinals.