May 26, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Today was one of many firsts for the Villanova track and field team at the NCAA East Regional Championships in Gainesville, Fla. In today's finals, four Wildcats posted automatic qualifying times in their respective events to secure spots at the NCAA Championships in June. Three of the four competitors will be making the trek to California for the first time in their careers.

Senior Michael Kerrigan kicked off the finals by placing third in the 1,500m event with an impressive 3:42.41. He shattered the time he posted in yesterday's preliminaries by four seconds. Following his lead was sophomore Elvis Lewis. Lewis put forth a tremendous effort in the 400m to place fourth with a time of 46.20, which also beat his preliminary mark. The successes of both Kerrigan and Lewis propel them into the NCAA Championships for the first time.

Also joining them for the first time is senior Akilah Vargas. Vargas clocked a 4:22.08 in the 1,500m event to place an amazing third in the finals. Her race was quickly followed up by classmate Monique Morgan's fifth place finish in the 100m hurdles. Morgan recorded a remarkable 13.37, which is also an NCAA automatic qualifying time.

These Wildcats will be heading out West to Sacramento, Calif. to compete among the nation's elite athletes at the NCAA Championships starting Wednesday, June 6.