Olympic track trials conclude for Sun Devils

The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials - Track & Field came to a close for the representatives of the Arizona State University track and field program on Saturday afternoon in Eugene, Ore., with three athletes competing the finals of their respective events and one other in the qualifying rounds. The meet ended at Hayward Field on Sunday, July 6.

In the field, Jessica Pressley led the way as she placed seventh in the women’s shot put with a toss of 17.92m (58-09.50) while teammate Sarah Stevens took 11th place at 16.16m (53-00.25). On the track, the other final the Sun Devils were involved in came in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase as Kyle Alcorn placed 11th in 8:47.30.

Charonda Williams ran the 200m dash twice on the day, finishing 15th in both races. Williams ran 23.33 in the quarterfinals to open the day and was among the Top 16 that advanced to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Williams ran 23.37 and remained 15th with only the Top 8 advancing to the final on Sunday.

With the conclusion of Day 7, the Trials have concluded for the Sun Devil program as no athlete -- current and former -- associated with the program reached the finals of any of the events being held Sunday. Next up are several international championship meets throughout the world, including the 2008 IAAF World Junior Championships for Nectaly Barbosa and the 2008 Beijing Olympics for both Jacquelyn Johnson and Trevell Quinley.

Barbosa will compete in the 1,500m run at the Junior Championships that will be held in Bydgoszcz, Poland, with the preliminary round taking place July 8 and the final on July 10. In Beijing, Johnson will lead off for the two Sun Devils as the first day of the heptathlon takes place on August 15 and concludes on August 16. Quinley will compete in the qualifying round of the long jump on August 16 with the finals being held on August 18.

U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field - Day Seven (Thursday, July 4)
Women’s Shot Put - Final
7. Jessica Pressley - 17.92m (58-09.50)
11. Sarah Stevens - 16.16m (53-00.25)

Women’s 200m Dash - Quarterfinal
15. Charonda Williams - 23.33 - advances to semifinal

Women’s 200m Dash - Semifinal
15. Charonda Williams - 23.37

Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase - Final
11. Kyle Alcorn - 8:47.30