The road to Eugene is officially set for two more BYU distance stars.
Jane Hedengren and Jenna Hutchins punched their tickets to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Thursday night after standout performances in the women’s 10,000-meter semifinals at the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
For Hedengren, the performance felt like another reminder that her freshman season is becoming one of the best in collegiate track and field.
The NCAA record holder in the 10K stayed patient through the early stages of the race before taking control late and cruising to a first-place finish in her heat. Calm and composed the entire way, Hedengren looked every bit like a national title contender as she secured her spot in Eugene.
The freshman phenom has already rewritten record books this season, winning NCAA indoor titles and posting historic times throughout the year. But Thursday night added another moment to an already unforgettable season.
Every race seems to raise expectations and Hedengren continues to meet them.
Hutchins joined her teammate in advancing to nationals after delivering a gritty qualifying performance of her own. The BYU senior battled through a tactical race and stayed near the front pack before closing strong over the final laps to earn an automatic qualifying spot.
Her experience showed when the pace tightened late in the race.
With pressure mounting and a national championship berth on the line, Hutchins stayed steady and finished exactly where she needed to be to continue her season.
The performances added to another impressive night for BYU’s nationally ranked distance program, which continues sending athletes to Eugene year after year. For a program built on distance excellence, Thursday was another example of the standard the Cougars have created.
Now, Hedengren and Hutchins head to Hayward Field with a chance to compete against the nation’s best and add even more to BYU’s growing championship season.
And if this season has proven anything, it’s that the Cougars are not done making noise on the national stage.