Jackson misses NCAA finals, closes athletic year for Golden Eagles
Tennessee Tech freshman D'Airrien Jackson ran close to her school-record time Friday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Preliminary Championships, but missed out on qualifying to advance to the NCAA Championships next month. Finishing outside the top 12 put an official end to the athletic year for Tennessee Tech athletics.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tennessee Tech freshman D'Airrien Jackson ran close to her school-record time Friday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Preliminary Championships, but missed out on qualifying to advance to the NCAA Championships next month in Eugene, Ore.
The top 12 runners in the 400-meter event Friday earned entry into the finals at the national event, which had been the goal for Jackson and the Golden Eagle track & field team. Finishing outside the top 12 put an official end to the athletic year for Tennessee Tech athletics.
By being the last Golden Eagle competing, Jackson's effor Friday closed the athletic year 301 days after the Golden Eagle football team assembled back on August 1 to begin preparations for the coming year.
Jackson and fellow freshman Na'Asha Robinson both qualified to run in the NCAA Prelimiary Championships with their times earlier this year at 400 meters. In addition, freshman Gilbert Boit competed at the meet in the men's 10,000-meter run.
