DES MOINES, Iowa — Air Force senior Jim Walmsley and University of Colorado junior Aric Van Halen qualified for the final in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase Thursday at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships.
In the second heat of 12 runners, Walmsley stayed within the lead pack from the start. Moving between the third and sixth positions during the first seven laps at Drake Stadium, he took over the fifth spot during the final lap and used a 1:06.56 split to place fifth in the heat and clock his career-best time of 8:41.05. He was seventh overall.
Van Halen’s time of 8:42.55 — also a personal best — placed him 13th overall, just making the finals as only 14 advanced.
The finals are scheduled for Saturday at 10:52 a.m. MDT.
With about 800 meters remaining in the race, Van Halen, whose father, Alex, is the drummer in the famous band, took the lead, but shortly after dropped back.
The University of Colorado will have a female runner in the finals of the steeplechase too. Shalaya Kipp will run tonight for a chance to win her first NCAA title in the event at 5:30 p.m. The Buffs have won four of the last six women’s titles.
Trevor Brown of Colorado State finished fifth in his heat and failed to advance to the finals of the men’s 110-meter hurdles.
