Ash Earns Top Qualifying Spot in Hurdles

EUGENE, Ore. - Advancing to the next round cleared a big hurdle Friday during the eighth day of the U.S. Olympic Trials. At least Ronnie Ash did as the former Sooner posted the top qualifying time in the 110-meter hurdles to advance to Saturday's semifinal. His time of 13.39 led the 30 runners in the first round.

He will have company in the semis as a pair of sprinters, Candyce McGrone and Daye Shon Roberson, finished eighth and 14th, respectively, to earn spots in the 200 semi. McGrone, who earned a trip to the IAAF World Championships in the 200 on the track at Hayward Field a year ago, ran a 22.98 to advance to Saturday's semi.

McGrone ran her career best at Worlds, recording a 22.01. Roberson, who earned All-America honors in the 400 on this track a year ago, ran a 23.10 to finish third in her heat and 14th out of 41 runners. The school record holder in the 200, Roberson ran a 22.65 to finish second at the Payton Jordan Invitational. She also finished second in the Big 12 in the 200 in May.

The news wasn't as good for two other former Sooners. Frezer Legesse, running for Under Armour, recorded a 3:46.10 which was the ninth fastest time. However, he placed ninth in his section and failed to qualify by place or time.

Mookie Salaam finished 19th with a 21.15 in the men's 200 semifinal and failed to advance.

Daye Shon Roberson Ash will run the hurdle semi at 6:25 p.m. (PDT) with the goal of advancing to the final in the event later Saturday night. The women's 200 semi is scheduled for 7:03 p.m. That final will be on Sunday. The top from each race in the semifinal plus the next two fastest advance to the final.

Riley Masters, who runs for BROOKS Beasts TC, ran a 13:49.75 to finish seventh in his heat Monday to earn the first qualifying spot determined by time in the 5,000-meter run. His final will also be Saturday at 5:20 p.m.

The Sooners will have a single rep in the field event finals on Saturday. Brittany Borman finished fourth in the javelin qualifying Thursday with a 190-6.00. Her final starts at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The U.S. Trials continue through Sunday. Live results, start lists and broadcast schedules are available on the USATF website and daily recaps will follow on SoonerSports.com.