University of Connecticut Athletics
Gagnon, Rutt Advance To USATF 800-Meter Semifinal Round
6/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
June 24, 2010
DES MOINES, Iowa - For the first time in University of Connecticut men's track and field history, two athletes have advanced to the semi-final round of the USA Track and Field National Championships. With an excellent first round race, Brian Gagnon and Mike Rutt will move onto the 800-meter semifinals on Friday at Drake Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET
"It was an important race and important results for them," said Head Coach Greg Roy. "Both are very excited to move onto the semifinal round tomorrow and hopefully the final on Sunday. Today was the hard race and I am excited that they both were able to make it through. Tomorrow they will just let it go."
Both Gagnon and Rutt ran in heat one, which appeared to be the fastest heat in the race. Rutt came across third in his heat and seventh overall with a time of 1:47.31 and was the fastest collegiate runner. Charles Jock of Cal Irvine placed higher than Rutt, but came in with a slower time.
Gagnon took 14th overall and was the sixth runner to come across in his heat of 10 with a time of 1:48.05. Gagnon was also the sixth collegiate runner to cross the line.
The top-three runners in each heat automatically qualified for the semifinals while the next seven fastest times also advanced to the next round.
Players Mentioned
