By Andrew Korba
Senior Michael Simmons finished fifth in his heat to qualify for the finals of the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA III Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Thursday night at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
The top five from each heat, plus the next four best times advanced to the finals, which will be run on Saturday at 3:10 p.m. (EST).
"Michael handled his first experience at the championships extremely well," said head coach Jason Maus. "He ran a very clean and smart race and made his moves when he needed to put himself in a comfortable position."
Simmons crossed the finish line in 9:06.96.