PRINCETON, N.J. - VMI's Felix Kitur moved to sixth on the national NCAA performance list for the 800-meters, clocking in at 1:47.62 to win his preliminary round heat at the IC4A Championships, held at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J.
In addition to being sixth nationally, the time was the third-quickest in the East Region this year, coming into the weekend, and made him the top qualifier for Sunday's final. The effort surpasses Kitur's 1:47.78 effort in late April and becomes the second-fastest time in school history, and the junior from Eldoret, Kenya now holds the three fastest 800-meter times in VMI annals.
Coming into the event, it did not appear as though Kitur's heat would be particularly quick, as he was the only competitor with a seed mark under 1:50. That assumption was quickly proven wrong when the Keydet standout sat third coming to the bell lap. He waited until the back stretch to make his move, moving to second and then launching his efforts for the lead as the field started around the final corner. He remained, however, neck and neck with Michael Rutt of Connecticut for much of the final straightaway, before edging ahead in the final 50 meters to claim the win and top qualifying position. Kitur will now bid for his second IC4A title of this track and field season on Sunday afternoon.
The Keydets also fielded a team in the 4X800-meter relay. The squad, comprised of Jason Thorpe, Ian McGinn, Ermin Mujezinovic and Dean Gonsalves, finished 19th (7:41.97) while including three athletes in their first full years of Division I competition.
In other VMI results, Chandale Williams wrapped up her collegiate career by competing in the 400-meters. The senior finished sixth in her heat to complete her time at the Institute. James Alexander took to the track in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, finishing in 21.87 for the 200 and 11.00 in the shorter distance. Ademola Titcombe saw action in the long jump, recording a mark of 6.62 meters (21'8 ¾"), while Chad Lawson's 46.62 meter (152'11") discus throw was good for 14th place.
Finally, Kate Collins joined more than half the field in failing to clear a height in the pole vault, which was contested with a very strong crosswind throughout the competition.
VMI track and field will conclude its appearance at the IC4A/ECAC Championships Sunday, as the meet wraps up in Princeton. The Keydets' day is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., when Titcombe takes to the air in the triple jump.
