EUGENE, Ore. – Making a statement on day one of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships David Verburg continued his quest for a national title, advancing to the finals of the 400m dash.

Verburg ran the fastest time of the day in heat 1, crossing the finish line in a season-best time of 45.19. The time was nearly 0.2 seconds faster than his nearest competitor, Texas A&M's Deon Lendore (45.36).

Verburg will next take to the track on Friday at 9:05 p.m. EST on his quest for Mason's first national title in the event since 1995 when Greg Haughton took home the title.

He will also compete again tomorrow as a member of the men's 4x400m relay. The men's relay will run at 9:40 p.m., while the women's 4x400m relay takes to the track immediately before at 9:20 p.m.