FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – Illinois women's track and field junior Olivia Howell will be making her second-straight trip to the NCAA Championships after qualifying for the women's 1500m on Saturday (May 28) night at the 2022 NCAA Division I Outdoor West Prelims at John McDonnell Field.
"Olivia ran a smart confident race and was in command the entire time, easily qualifying for the next round in Eugene," said head coach Mike Turk. "She is confident and poised to perform at a very high level. I am excited for our NCAA finalists!"
Howell placed third in her heat to earn an automatic qualification, while also finishing third overall in the event's quarterfinals with a time of 4:17.68.
The Solon, Ohio native placed 10th in the women's 1500m a season ago at the 2021 NCAA Championships with a time of 4:15.56 to earn Second-Team All-America honors after turning in a program-best time of 4:09.71 in the event's semifinal race.
"Olivia navigated her races with a perfect balance of confidence, poise, and aggressiveness resulting in auto qualifying performance to the NCAA Championships," added Sarah Haveman, assistant coach for distances. "She has put herself in a great position for the finals."
Graduate student Kristin Higgins kicked off the day for the Illini, registering a personal-best mark of 1.76m in the women's high jump and finishing 18th in the event.
Junior Jessica McDowell placed seventh in her heat and 22nd overall in the women's 400m with a time of 53.74, while graduate student Rebecca Craddock posted a time of 16:50.31 to finish in 32nd in the women's 5000m. The women's 4x400m relay team of McDowell, freshman Kenli Nettles, junior Danni Stoughton and freshman Logan Neely wrapped up the competition for the Orange and Blue, placing 18th with a time of 3:37.61.
Next Up
Howell joins graduate student Jon Davis as the duo will represent the Illini at the 2022 NCAA Championships on June 8-11 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
NCAA West Prelims | Day 4 Results
Women's High Jump
18. Kristin Higgins | 1.76m
Women's 1500m Quarterfinals
3. Olivia Howell | 4:17.68 // Qualified for NCAA Championships
Women's 400m
22. Jessica McDowell | 53.74
Women's 5000m
32. Rebecca Craddock | 16:50.31
Women's 4x400m Relay
18. Illinois: Jessica McDowell, Kenli Nettles, Danni Stoughton, Logan Neely | 3:37.61
NCAA West Prelims | Day 3 Results
Men's 1500m Quarterfinals
9. Jon Davis | 3:42.69 // Qualified for NCAA Championships
Men's 110m Hurdles
17. Bret Dannis | 13.79
NCAA West Prelims | Day 2 Results
Women's 1500m First Round
3. Olivia Howell | 4:17.94 // Qualified for Quarterfinals
40. Emma Milburn | 4:26.54
42. Halle Hill | 4:27.33
Women's 400m First Round
21. Jessica McDowell 53.37 // Qualified for Quarterfinals
Women's Pole Vault First Round
T-28. Tori Thomas | 3.96m
NCAA West Prelims | Day 1 Results
Men's 110m Hurdles First Round
8. Bret Dannis | 13.68 // Qualified for Quarterfinals
Men's 1500m First Round
17. Jon Davis | 3:45.30 // Qualified for Quarterfinals
Men's 400m Hurdles First Round
41. Robert Williams | 52.87
46. DeVontae Ford | 1:00.92
Men's Shot Put First Round
18. Tyler Sudduth | 18.95m
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