FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton track and field competition at Sacramento State University at the NCAA Division I West Preliminaries on a high note as the men's 4x100-meter relay team advanced to the NCAA Championships on June 6-9 in Eugene, Ore.
The quartet of Rasaun House, Thaddeus Smith, Luis Matos and Marcel Espinoza clocked a school-record time of 39.86 to earn third place in heat one and 10th place overall to automatically qualify for the semifinal round in Eugene. The previous school record was 40.10 and set in 2016. It is the first time since 2003 that the Titans have sent a men's 4x100-meter relay team to the NCAA Championships.
"The guys just ran phenomenal," head coach John Elders said. "It was the first time we had a relay go under 40 seconds in school history and we actually were in first after the first two exchanges and really put the pressure on the other teams. So proud of these guys. We're going to the show!"
Edwin Matthews had a personal-best clearance of 6-11 (2.11m) to tie for 20th place but unfortunately it was not enough to advance to Eugene in the men's high jump. The senior was second in the event at the Big West Championships.
"Edwin competed really well," Elder said. "For him PR to here is awesome and a great way for him to end his collegiate career."
Anthony Applequist posted a mark of 50-1.25 (15.27m, +0.3 wind) in the men's triple jump and it was not enough to advance to Eugene. The senior earned a runner-up finish at the Big West Championships in the event and won the triple jump at the Penn Relays.
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