FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior Randon Gray punched his ticket to the NCAA Championships in the pole vault on Wednesday night as he highlights a strong first day at John McDowell Field for the UT Arlington track and field team.
 
With his outdoor personal best vault of 5.32m, which he cleared on his first attempt, had Gray finish 6th in his flight and 12th overall which clenched his spot in Eugene.
 
"What a gutsy performance from Randon in an event that lasted almost four hours," said head coach John Sauerhage. "He showed a lot of poise out there!"
 
Lucas Van Klaveren ran a time of 52.56 in the 400m hurdles, which was the 5th fastest time in his heat. The senior finished 34th overall, just missing the cut for a spot on the national stage. 
 
Khalid Mendez posted his second-best time of the outdoor season in the 200m dash, clocking in with a time of 21.07 which had him finish 7th in heat four. The junior placed 37th overall.
 
The women will take center stage on Thursday as they get rolling at 8:30 a.m. with field events followed by a 3:30 p.m. start on the track side.
   
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