CSU's Crawford Qualifies for Finals in 100 Meters; Koyiaki Fails to Qualify

Charlotte, N.C. -- Columbus State sprinter Shelisa "Shan" Crawford is treading on new ground for a Cougar athlete at the Division II Track Championships. On Thursday, Crawford ran a season-best 11.74 in the 100 meters and earned an automatic berth in Saturday's final. 

Crawford's time was the sixth-best on Thursday and, by virtue of that time's place in the top eight, she will run in the championship heat on Saturday. Ironically, the 100 meters was not Crawford's top event heading into the first-ever trip to the championship meet for CSU athletes. She was seeded 12th in the 100 going in and had much higher expectations for the 200 meters where she qualified second.

"Shan ran great on Thursday and showed that she belongs here," said CSU head coach J.D. Evilsizer. "If she can continue to run like that and finish strong on Saturday, she has almost assured herself a spot on the All-America team."

The news was not as good for distance runner Meshack Koyiaki. Koyiaki had been battling illness prior to the championships and in his preliminary on Thursday, according to Evilsizer, the pack crowded together toward the finish and Koyiaki was not able to break free. "He is much better when he gets out early and avoids a crowd. Unfortunately he was not able to get the kind of kick to the finish that he normally might have because everyone was so bunched together," said Evilsizer.

Crawford will run the prelims for the 200 meters on Friday and then will hopefully compete in both the 100 and 200 finals on Saturday, looking to continue to write history in the first year of organized track at CSU.

Follow Results with virtually instant updates by clicking here: 2010 Div. II Championship Results