Milwaukee City Wire

Natalie Block has advanced to the quarterfinals in both the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles at the NCAA West Regionals. Competing in Fayetteville, Block achieved qualifying times in both events and will compete in the second round on Saturday.

Block participated alongside her teammate Tabitha Wechlo, who competed in the shot put. In the 100m hurdles, Block recorded her second-best time of the season at 13.23 seconds, placing third in her heat and 17th overall. This performance meets the qualifications for the US Olympic Trials.

In the 400m hurdles, Block ran a time of 57.90 seconds, again finishing third in her heat and securing a spot in Saturday's round as the 16th seed with her third fastest time of the season.

Head coach Andrew Basler stated, "With running events on prelim days, it's all about getting through to the next rounds. Natalie and I talked about the main goal today, which was finishing top three in her heats and getting that big Q."

Meanwhile, Wechlo recorded a toss of 13.48 meters (44'2.75") in shot put but did not advance further as she needed a mark of 17.03 meters (55'10.25") or better to finish in the top twelve.

Basler praised Wechlo's career achievements: "Over in the shot put ring, Tabitha closed out her record-breaking career as a Panther... I have no doubt Tabitha's success as a thrower and her team-first approach has caused a ripple effect that will positively impact our throws group for years to come."

Block is set to compete again on Saturday evening with hopes of qualifying for nationals by finishing in the top twelve of either event.