NORMAN, OKLA. -- Drake senior Leyden Tolhurst (Auckland, New Zealand) advanced to the finals of the men's 1,500-meter run at the NCAA Midwest Regional Track and Field meet Friday
Overcoming 90-degree heat, Tolhurst was clocked in 3 minutes 49.86 seconds to finish sixth in the second heat.
He recorded the sixth fastest overall top among the top 12 runners who qualified for Saturday's final which will be run at 5:30 p.m.
"That was the hottest condition I've ever raced in and it wasn't too pleasant," said Tolhurst. "But I'm in pretty good shape."
Tolhurst, who won the Missouri Valley Conference outdoor 1,500 on May 17, coasted the last 200 meters preserving energy for Saturday's final.
"I didn't really worry about the finish knowing as long as I was in the top eight I would make the finals," Tolhurst added. "I had a bit left in the tank. I will definitely enjoy this and see what happens on Saturday."
New Mexico senior Lee Emanuel, who won the mile at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Championship, posted the fastest 1,500 qualifying time of 3:44.29.
Drake senior Josh Bangert (Washington, Mo.) finished 18th in the men's long jump, soaring 23 feet 2.75 inches.
Drake junior Nicole Braunsdorf (St. Francis, Wis.) dropped out of the women's 5,000 meter run just after the 2,000-meter mark.
Drake sophomore Casey McDermott (Newton, Iowa) will run in the finals of the 3,000-meter steeplechase Saturday.
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