University of Illinois
NCAA West Prelims
Nicole Choquette Advances to NCAA Quarterfinal
May 24, 2018 | Women's Track & Field
Illini grad student reaches first quarterfinal
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Illinois graduate student Nicole Choquette advanced to her first career NCAA Prelims quarterfinal with a 2:07.30 time in the 800m first round on Thursday evening. Choquette will race for a bid to NCAA Finals in Eugene on Friday, May 25, at 8:45 p.m. central time, 6:45 p.m. locally.
Racing in the final heat of the first round, Choquette timed nearly identical splits (1:03.66, 1:03.64) on her two laps around the track, leading the pack through the first 400 meters. Coming into the final straight away, Choquette battled Texas' Gabby Crank for the final automatic spot, but was edged at the line by six thousandths of a second. However, the 2:07.30 time finished as the top time qualifier, placing 13th overall.
"Nicole had great confidence and poise and executed an excellent race," said distance coach Sarah Haveman. "She has prepared herself well and is ready for tomorrow."
Joining Choquette on the track Thursday night were two Illini underclassmen making their NCAA Prelims debuts. Sophomore Chisom Nwoko timed 55.25 in the first round of the 400m dash, while freshman Rebeeca Craddock finished her heat of the 1500m in 4:31.72.
Illinois continues competition at NCAA West Prelims on Friday evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. central time. Pole vaulter Sara McKeeman leads off the session, followed Nicole Choquette in the 800m quarterfinal at 8:45 p.m. The meet can be streamed on FloTrack with a subscription to the platform.
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Illinois NCAA Prelims Schedule (All Times Central)
Friday, May 25
6:30pm –Women's Pole Vault – McKeeman
8:45pm –Women's 800m Quarterfinal
Saturday, May 26
8:15pm – Women's 4x100m Relay – Rogers, Davis, Hargrove, Driver, Aduma
Illinois NCAA Prelims Results:
800m First Round:
13. Nicole Choquette, 2:07.30 q
400m First Round:
Chisom Nwoko, 55.25
1500m First Round:
40. Rebecca Craddock, 4:31.72
