JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Hampton University track and field teams started competition on Thursday at the 2019 NCAA East Regional held at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida and had two advance in the 400 hurdles.

For the men, junior Jaelen Williams ran a season best 50.66 to take second in his heat and post the fourth fastest qualifying time for Friday's 7:15 pm quarterfinal round.  To advance to the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas, Williams will have to finish in the top three in his heat or have the one of the next three fastest times.

On the women's side, sophomore Autumn Smith advanced to Friday's 7pm quarterfinal with the 15^th fastest time running a personal best 58.72 in the 400 hurdles.   She will also have to finish in the top three of her heat on Friday or have one of the next three fastest times to advance to Austin.

Sophomore Isis Brooks ran in the 100 meters where she ran 12.06 and failed to advance, while in the long jump Jaelan Leonard had a leap of 5.61meters (18-5) and also failed to advance.

For more information on Hampton University track and field, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.