FAYETTEVILLE – Natalie Block recorded qualifying times in both the 100m hurdles and the 400m hurdles today at the NCAA West Regionals, advancing to the second round of both events on Saturday.
 
Block, along with teammate Tabitha Wechlo, competed today at the first round of the NCAA West Regional meet. Block competed in the first round of both hurdle events, while Wechlo represented Milwaukee in the shot put.
 
Competing first in the 100m hurdles, Block turned in her second-best time of the season at 13.23 seconds, taking third in her heat and 17^th overall. This time meets the minimum qualifications for the US Olympic Trials, pairing with her 400m hurdles minimum qualification time set earlier in the season.
 
Block then ran a time of 57.90 in the first round of the 400m hurdles, again taking third in her heat and qualifying for the second round on Saturday. She will enter Saturday's round as the 16^th seed after running the third fastest time of her season.
 
"With running events on prelim days, it's all about getting through to the next rounds," head coach Andrew Basler said. "Natalie and I talked about the main goal today, which was finishing top three in her heats and getting that big Q. She executed that plan and has set herself up to run for a spot at the NCAA Championships in two events. In both races, there were spots that can get cleared up technique-wise and race strategy that will set her up to finish top 12 on Saturday."
 
Competing in the shot put, Wechlo recorded a toss of 13.48m (44'2.75") to take 47^th overall. To finish in the top 12 and advance to the national championships, Wechlo needed a mark of 17.03m (55'10.25") or better, 1.70m better than her program record of 15.33m (50'3.5").
 
Wechlo will end her Milwaukee career as the record holder in both the indoor and outdoor shot put, winning the Horizon League outdoor shot put crown with her record-breaking mark.
 
"Over in the shot put ring, Tabitha closed out her record-breaking career as a Panther," Basler commented. "While I know the results were not what Tabitha and Coach Howard were hoping for, they both should be proud for pushing the standard of Milwaukee throws to this level. I have no doubt Tabitha's success as a thrower and her team-first approach has caused a ripple effect that will positively impact our throws group for years to come."
 
Block will now have a day to prepare before the second rounds of both hurdle events on Saturday evening. The 100m hurdles quarterfinals are scheduled to take place at 6:15 PM, and the 400m hurdles are scheduled for a 7:25 PM start. She will need a top twelve finish to qualify for nationals in either event.