May 30, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. - Lamar University junior Samuel Kosgei and freshman Craig Bailey completed their action at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship hosted by the University of Oklahoma at the John Jacobs Track and Field Complex on Friday.

Bailey took the track first for Lamar, competing in the men's long jump. The Port Arthur, Texas native posted his second-best jump of the season with a leap of 24-00.25 feet for a 16th place finish.

Kosgei took the track in the final race of the day and punched his ticket to the NCAA Championship meet with a fourth place finish in the 5,000 meter run. He posted the second-fastest 5,000 in school history with a 14:04.79 performance, which was two and a half seconds behind the winner Hassan Mead of Minnesota who ran to a 14:02.25 finish.

By virtue of his fourth place finish, Kosgei qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships from June 10-13 at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Ark. He is also qualified for the 10,000 meter run, as he ranks 14th in the country with a time of 28:45.24.