GULF SHORES, Ala. – Northwest's Ellie Calquhoun set a personal record and qualified for the finals in the 3000-meter steeplechase on Thursday at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
 
Calquhoun, a graduate student from Lacey, completed the race in 10:55.31, just missing the automatic cut in sixth place in the first of two qualifying heats. She had to await the outcome of the second heat to find she had qualified for Friday's finals with the ninth-fastest time in the trials.
 
"That was arguably the best race I've seen Ellie execute," said NU Head Coach Mark Mandi. "She looked poised and strong throughout. Such a massive PR at nationals is what you dream of and work for and is such a blessing to see that happen."
 
Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the race was pushed back by a long thunderstorm. 
 
Calquhoun runs in the finals on Friday at 10 a.m. Pacific (noon Central).
 
That storm also brought changes to the men's 5000 meters. The semifinals have been scratched, and Micah Murphy now runs in the finals of that event on Friday at 1:55 p.m. Pacific (3:55 p.m. in Alabama).
 
Friday's action for the Eagles begins at 4 a.m. (6 a.m. Central) with Dawson Andrews and Cameron Nielsen in the half marathon finals—a field of 51 entrants.