May 28, 2016
By Lizzie Mikes
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Friday, University of Notre Dame graduate student Kaila Barber punched her ticket to the 2016 NCAA Championships in the 400m hurdles. On Saturday, she also earned a berth in the 100m hurdles and 4x400m relay races.
“I did exactly what Coach Turner told me to, and it worked!” Barber exclaimed after her three races (two of them on relays) Saturday. “My teammates really pushed me this season in every event, and made sure I got the most of every practice. It makes my day to hear them in the stands. It’s exciting to be able to represent them in three events in Eugene. The work isn’t done, and I can’t wait to get back to that track!”
Barber, who finished the prelims with the top qualifying time of 12.91 on Friday, finished eighth overall in the Saturday quarterfinal race (12.99). She also raced on the 4x100m relay team that finished in 44.72 seconds, teaming up with Parker English, Kyla Lewis and Margaret Bamgbose. English, Bamgbose and Jordan Shead also joined Barber on the 4x400m relay team that finished sixth overall (3:30.10) and qualified for the NCAA Championships.
In the 5,000m race, Lexi Pelletier had the top Notre Dame time of 16:47.36, good for 23rd overall, while Ashlyn Rambo finished the race in 17:17.29.
In field events, Indi Jackson competed in the women’s shot put competition, placing 26th overall with her 15.35m throw. As the last entrant from the men’s squad for the weekend, Matt Birzer performed admirably in the high jump competition, finishing his season 16th in the standings with his 2.13m jump.
Looking ahead in the schedule, the Irish will send Carly Loeffel (women’s heptathlon), Kaila Barber (100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles), Margaret Bamgbose (400m) and the 4x400m relay team to Eugene, Oregon for the NCAA Championship meet, held June 7-11. Stay tuned to und.com for full details leading up to the championship.
Saturday Results – NCAA East Regional
W 4x100m Relay – Prelims
- (English, Lewis, Barber, Bamgbose) 44.72
W 100m Hurdles – Quarterfinals
- Kaila Barber 12.99 (advanced to NCAA Championship)
W 5,000m
- Lexi Pelletier 16:47.36
40. Ashlyn Rambo 17:17.29
W 4x400m Relay – Prelims
- (English, Barber, Bamgbose, Shead) 3:30.10 (advanced to NCAA Championship)
W Shot Put Prelims
- Indi Jackson 15.35m
M High Jump Prelims
- Matt Birzer 2.13m
— ND —
Lizzie Mikes served as Media Services Coordinator at the University of Notre Dame. A 2013 graduate of Johnson & Wales University, she oversaw credential management and was the athletic communications director for Fighting Irish men’s and women’s swimming and diving and track and field. She assisted with numerous NCAA postseason events hosted by Notre Dame, and was heavily involved in the day-to-day tasks of the athletic communications office throughout the year.