Jackson-Buckner Races to NCAA Provisional Mark at Albany Spring Classic

ALBANY, NY — Sophomore Musu Jackson-Buckner (Buffalo, NY) ran an NCAA Division III provisional time of 25.34 in the women’s 200 meter dash at the 10th Annual Albany Spring Classic on Saturday (May 8).

In an event that featured 20 competitors, Jackson-Buckner was third overall but first among the Division III entries. Her mark was bettered only by Teresa Covert (24.60) of Albany and Elma Pabon (25.10) of Club Santurce.

Jackson-Buckner is the second SUNY New Paltz track & field athlete to register an NCAA provisional qualifying mark. Earlier this spring junior Josh Moore was a provisional Division III Championship qualifier in the men’s shot put. The 2004 NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship will be held at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois on May 27-29.

In addition, Jackson-Buckner was second in the 100 meter dash with a personal best time of 12.62.

Sophomore Janet Walsh (Baldwinsville, NY) had a second place showing in the 3000 meter steeplechase. Walsh finished with a time of 12:21.60 and helped the women’s squad finish ninth among a field of 18.

In the men’s 3000 meter steeplechase, senior John Zarella (Mahopac, NY) was fifth with a time of 10:03.19. Zarella also teamed up with juniors Sam Austin (Northport, NY) and George Correa (Central Islip, NY) and freshman Mike Nelson (Dix Hills, NY) to win the 4×800 meter relay with a time of 9:02.00.

The men’s squad finished the meet 14th among a field of 31.