Natalie Block has qualified for the NCAA Track & Field National Championships in the 400m hurdles. Competing at the NCAA West Regional Preliminary Rounds, she achieved a time of 56.95 seconds, surpassing her previous school record of 57.04 seconds set last year. This performance earned her an 11th place finish in the quarterfinals and secured her spot in the upcoming national event.
Head coach Andrew Basler commented on their strategy for the race: “Our plan for the 400m hurdles was just to send it and not be too technical and try and push for that qualifying time.” He expressed satisfaction with Block’s performance, noting that she achieved a personal best and positioned herself well for the championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Block will compete at Hayward Field from June 11-14. Last season, she qualified but did not participate due to injury. In addition to her success in the 400m hurdles, Block completed her season in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.21 seconds. Basler remarked on her performance: “I thought her rhythm looked really good in the 100m hurdles race.”
Olivia VanZeeland concluded her junior season competing in the high jump at the same meet. She holds both a school record height of 1.80 meters and is recognized as Horizon League Champion. Reflecting on VanZeeland’s experience, Basler said: “I thought there might’ve been some nerves for Olivia in her first NCAA meet,” adding that as a junior, she would benefit from this experience.
