NCAA West Regional Day One Results

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 25, 2018) – Loyola University Chicago junior Kevin White moved one step closer to earning a berth to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this evening as he advanced in the 1,500m run on the opening day of the NCAA West Regional in Sacramento, Calif.
 
"It was a good first day for us at the NCAA West Regional," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer commented.  "Kevin ran a really smart race and moved on to the final.  He's primed to contend for a spot in Eugene.  Emma (Hatch) gave it absolutely everything she had and ran an incredible race.  It was a fantastic finish to the career of one of the greatest runners in program history."
 
White posted a time of 3:46.36 to finish fourth overall in heat two of the event, automatically earning a spot in Saturday's regional final.  The Wooster, Ohio product, who checked in at 1:58.32 in the 800m regional semifinals later in the evening, is the first Rambler to advance in the 1,500m run at the regional meet since Sam Penzenstadler in 2015. 
 
"Kevin has prepared for this event throughout the year and had a great showing today," Loyola assistant coach Mircea Bogdan said.  "He was focused, knew what needed to be done and what it takes to advance past this stage.  We couldn't be any happier with how he is performing whenever he gets the chance.  He is looking forward to Saturday and will try to enjoy and appreciate every moment he has to compete at this level."
 
Senior Emma Hatch closed out her collegiate career by placing 37^th with a personal-best time of 34:24.07, the second fastest time in program history, in the 10,000m run regional final.  Out of Cleves, Ohio, Hatch wraps up her time with the Ramblers as a five-time All-Missouri Valley Conference honoree, having captured the last two outdoor league titles in the 10,000m run.

"I couldn't be more proud of how Emma competed tonight," Loyola assistant coach Alan Peterson said.  "We talked about how she had nothing to lose and her racing reflected that.  She was agressive from the start and hung on for a new personal best.  It was a great end to an outstanding career."
 
White will look to book his ticket to the NCAA Championships on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (CT) in the 1,500m run regional final.  Redshirt junior Lindsey Brewis will also have the opportunity to move on to the national meet when she makes her regional debut later in the evening in the 5,000m run regional final at 10:45 p.m. (CT).