LEXINGTON, Ky. – The George Mason track & field teams are set to open competition at this year's NCAA Outdoor Championships East First Round, held Wednesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 30 at the University of Kentucky Track & Field Complex.
For each individual event contested at the First Round sites, the top 48 declared student-athletes earned entry into the competition. Qualifying marks were based on each competitor's top performance in each event this outdoor season. Athletes who finish among the top 12 in their respective events will advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Last week, the following Patriots were officially selected to compete at the NCAA East First Round.
Region Ranking. Name – Event (Seed Mark)
11. Abby Weening – Women's High Jump (1.82m)
12. Kennedy Drish – Women's Pole Vault (4.33m)
31. Davian Burke – Men's 110m Hurdles (13.80)
32. Walt Bannerman – Men's Pole Vault (5.27m)
39. Kellen La Roche – Men's High Jump (2.12m)
42. Alex DeRoussel – Men's 3000m Steeplechase (8:50.29)
42. Ella Semple – Women's 5000m Run (15:58.44)
Alex DeRoussel, Ella Semple, Abby Weening, and freshman Kellen La Roche will each make their first appearances at the NCAA East First Round. Sophomore Davian Burke earned back-to-back qualifications to the regional championship meet, while Walt Bannerman makes his return after qualifying two years ago.
In 2024, Bannerman advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, where he finished among the top 15 in the nation to earn All-America honors. Kennedy Drish also returns to the East First Round after qualifying in 2024, marking her first appearance representing George Mason.
George Mason's schedule at the NCAA East First Round is as follows:
Wednesday, May 27
6 p.m. - Davian Burke – Men's 110m Hurdles First Round (Heat 1)
6:30 p.m. - Walt Bannerman – Men's Pole Vault (Flight 1)
Thursday, May 28
6:30 p.m. - Kennedy Drish – Women's Pole Vault (Flight 1)
Friday, May 29
2 p.m. - Kellen La Roche - Men's High Jump (Flight 2)
5:40 p.m. - Alex DeRoussel - Men's 3000m Steeplechase (Heat 3)
6:15 p.m. - Davian Burke - Men's 110m Hurdles Quarterfinals
Saturday, May 30
2:00 p.m. - Abby Weening - Women's High Jump (Flight 1)
8:10 p.m. - Ella Semple - Women's 5000m Run (Flight 1)
All four days of the NCAA East First Round will be available on ESPN+ to stream. Below is the broadcast schedule and links:
Wednesday, May 27 | Starting at 6 p.m. ET | Watch live
Thursday, May 28 | Starting at 6 p.m. ET | Watch live
Friday, May 29 | Starting at 5 p.m. ET | Watch live
Saturday, May 30 | Starting at 5 p.m. ET | Watch live
Fans can also follow the Patriots' performances in real time on the linked live results website.
