Press Release

April 24, 2009

Bearcats Shine on One of Nation's Top Stages

DES MOINES, Iowa-Northwest Missouri State junior Ben McKim and freshman Tyler Shaw turned in provisionally qualifying marks and the Bearcats' 400-meter relay team qualified for finals at the Drake Relays Friday. It's the 100th anniversary for the eventh, which encompasses some of the greatest athletes in the nation.

John Miles, Kevin Okonta, Shaw and Sheldon Cook ran the relay in 42.03 seconds, the eighth-best qualifying mark amongst collegiate entries. The quartet will compete in the finals of the event Saturday at 5:25 p.m. Saturday.

Later Friday morning, Shaw qualified for the finals of the 110-meter hurdles set to take place at 3:49 p.m. Saturday. Shaw's time of 14.51 is currently the seventh-fastest time in Division II. Of the eight student-athletes who qualified for the finals, Shaw will be the only non-Division I participant.

McKim was the top Division II performer in the shot put Friday with his toss of 16.79 meters. He placed 11th in the field overall behind nine Division I competitors and Wisconsin-La Crosse's Bobby Riley.

Senior Audrey Bailey joins the festivities Saturday and will compete in the 400-meter hurdles set to take place at 1:49 p.m. The event will be a final and will consist of both university and college division student-athletes.