~ The sophomore finished second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase this weekend at the Vanderbilt Invitational.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State track coach Joey Haines had confidence that Kevin McNab would be able to attain an NCAA regional qualifying time in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
McNab rewarded his coach's faith in him this weekend, as his time of 9 minutes, 3.05 seconds at the Vanderbilt Invitational made the regional cut. The sophomore finished second in the event and was the top collegian.
"We had a lot of really good performances in a very tough meet, but Kevin's was probably the highlight for us," Haines said following the meet that took place Friday and Saturday. "We were really hoping he could make the regional. We thought it was only a matter of time, and he came through."
Perhaps the other highlight for Southeast in a meet that attracted over 800 collegiate athletes was junior Jordan Willi's season-best height of 15 feet, 11 inches to win the pole vault. Willi has battled injuries much of the past two years.
"That was really a breakthrough for him," Haines said.
Heather Jenkins was second in the discus (164-7) and fifth in the shot put (47-1), while Megan Rosenkoetter tied for second in the pole vault (10-11 3/4).
Placing third were Jason Theodorakos in the men's javelin (179-5) and Lindsay Hearne in the women's javelin (121-10).
Southeast 400-meter standout Miles Smith did not compete because of a sore leg, but is probable for this week's Drake Relays.
Other Southeast results:
Women
Lainie Bohnsack -- fourth, high jump (5-6)
Whitney Thomas -- fourth, 100-meter hurdles (14.10)
Kyra Joiner -- fourth, 400 hurdles (65.16)
Lindsay Zeiler -- fifth, 1,500 meters (4:32.99); seventh, 800 (2:15.33)
Michele Jett -- fifth, pole vault (10-6)
Rebecca Martin -- eighth, javelin (106-4)
Men
Walt Washington -- fourth. 400 (48.19)
Andrew Lambert -- sixth, high jump (6-6)
Ryan Doty -- ninth, high jump (6-6)
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