June 8, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Junior Cory Leslie finished ninth overall in the semifinals of the 3000-meter steeplechase Thursday evening at the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, to advance to Saturday’s national championship race at Drake Stadium.

“We had a very positive day in what played out to be a very competitive championships," interim head coach Ed Beathea said. "Cory looked very strong and focused on making the finals. Our 4x4 relay ran with tremendous pride and posted a time that would normally make the finals. Our alumni and department would have been proud of the way we competed today." 

Leslie, a native of Huron, Ohio, placed fourth in his section in a time of 8:41.45 to claim a spot in the finals. Princeton’s Donn Cabral posted the top time of 8:38.12. Senior Buckeye Adam Green finished 10th in his section, falling short of the finals with his time of 9:00.46.

The 4x400m relay team finished three spots short of qualifying for the finals as Thomas Murdaugh, Korbin Smith, Marvel Brooks and Antonio Blanks finished 11th with a time of 3:04.99.

Another Buckeye, sophomore Demoye Bogle, finished 21st overall in the prelims of the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.00. Meanwhile, junior Heath Nickles wrapped up the decathlon in 15th place with a score of 7458. Nickles came in second in the pole vault, clearing 17-0.75 feet (5.20m).

Events resume Friday at 3 p.m. ET.