Saturday, May 30, 2009

Dahl beats out Tennessee's Sarah Bowman at NCAA Mideast Regional

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 30, 2009) - Senior ETSU distance runner Heidi Dahl (Orem, Utah) kept her hopes alive to win an NCAA Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Buccaneer standout claimed the 1500m title at the NCAA Mideast Regional inside Louisville's Cardinal Park by beating instate rival Sarah Bowman from Tennessee. Dahl, who was beaten by Bowman in the prelims, posted a first-place and Cardinal Park record of 4:22.16; while Bowman crossed the line in 4:22.68. After finishing as one of the top-5 runners, Dahl will look to become a three-time All-American at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships on Thursday, June 11 at John McDonnell Field, located on the campus of the University of Arkansas. 

Meanwhile, as Dahl was running her way into a spot at next month's National Championships, two Buccaneer sprinters closed out their 2008-09 seasons.

Senior Nae-Nae Bailey (Statesville, N.C.) wrapped up a stellar career at ETSU after finishing seventh in the 200m finals. Bailey - who won the 2009 Atlantic Sun Championship in the event - recorded the same time that lifted her into the final round. Ironically, the Statesville, N.C. native tied her personal best after being clocked in at 24.02.

Sophomore Mike James (Palm Bay, Fla.) closed his season in the 110-meter hurdles. James, who was making his debut at the NCAA Regional, finished with a time of 14.15.

Dahl will keep her magical season intact for a few more weeks, as she now looks to become the first Lady Buccaneer athlete to claim All-American accolades since Catherine Berry did so nine years ago.

For more information on Buccaneer track and field and the NCAA Championships, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.