BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Sir Jonathan Sims became the third Tarleton State Track and Field athlete to punch his ticket to the NCAA National Championships after his performance on Day 3 of the NCAA West First Rounds on Friday at E.B. Cushing Stadium.
Sims joins fellow jumpers, Lokesh Sathyanathan and Prestina Ochonogor, who punched their tickets to Track Town USA in the long jump on each of the first two days.
“Time after time, Sir Jonathan has proved that he belongs on the big stage,” said head coach Bobby Carter. “I’m so proud of this young man. It’s always good to see the growth. He will be ready for the big show in two weeks and I’m excited to see what’s to come. “
Sims best jump came on his second attempt. The Arizona transfer posted a 15.83-meter leap on his opening attempt, but he had more left in the tank. Sims came back on his second jump, nearly matching his season best with a 15.97-meter performance. He took one final jump, landing at 15.64 meters. He finished ninth, earning himself a top 12 slot.
“We got the job done,” said Sims after the event. “Long jump didn’t go as well as I planned, but I put my head down and I got ready for triple jump. I came out and got our business done. I appreciate my teammates for always pushing me all season. I appreciate my coaches and most importantly my trainers. We do a lot and there is a lot going on with our bodies, but they definitely take care of us. I just appreciate everyone, and we are going to Oregon, y’all!”
The junior entered the meet with a season best of 15.99 meters. Sims will return to the NCAA National Championships for his second consecutive season. Last year, he was one of four jumpers to reach Oregon in both the long and triple jumps. He posted a pair of All-American Honorable Mention performances in his debut at the National Championships.
Gabriele Tosti entered the meet with the third-best triple jump in the NCAA. He finished just outside of the top 12 at 14th with his first jump his only counting attempt at 15.83 meters.
On Saturday, Cameron will be running in three events all with the chances to punch herself a ticket to Oregon. She will start in the 4×100 relay scheduled to run at 5 p.m. with her teammates, Hanna Dudley, Amandine Estival and Lauren Roy. She will then run in the third heat of the 100 meters, slated to start at 6:35 p.m. Her final race of the day will be in the 200, racing out of the first heat at 7:50 p.m. Sofia DeGroot will make her NCAA West debut in the triple jump at 2:30 p.m.
With just one day left at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds, the top 12 in each event of the final day will earn themselves a trip to Eugene. The Purple and White have two individuals still looking to punch their tickets to Eugene, Ore., as well as a four-woman relay team. The NCAA National Championships will be held at Hayward Field from June 11-14.
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