EUGENE, Ore. – San Diego State began their weekend at the NCAA Championships with two entries on their first day of competition at Hayward Field. The team of Hannah Waller, Xiamara Young, Jada Pierre and Aji Mbye raced in the 4x100m relay while Shaquena Foote ran in the 400m dash.
The Aztecs had to make some changes to their 4x100m relay team that ran the quarterfinals at the west prelims, but the quartet of Waller, Young, Pierre and Mbye were unphased by running their first ever race together on the national stage. Crossing the line in 44.23 seconds, they etched their name into a tie for ninth fastest in program history. The time put them 22nd overall in the field.
This marked the sixth time in the last eight seasons San Diego State has sent a 4x1 team to the NCAA Championships, two more than any other non-power five program in the country.
Foote ran the 400m dash later in the evening as the sun set in Oregon. Racing in the third heat, she crossed the line in 52.10 seconds to finish 17th overall. It is the fastest time by an Aztec in the 400m at an NCAA Championship meet in program history.
With their performances, all five athletes earn honorable mention All-America honors per the USTFCCCA award guidelines.
San Diego State will continue their weekend in Eugene tomorrow as Jenna Fee Feyerabend competes in the first four events of the heptathlon. The first event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
NCAA Championship Results (SDSU and winners only)
400m Dash Semifinals
1. Kaylyn Brown (Arkansas) – 49.82
17. Shaquena Foote – 52.10
4x100m Relay Semifinals
1. Ole Miss – 42.22
22. Waller, Young, Pierre, Mbye – 44.23 (9th all-time)
Aztecs Begin Weekend at NCAA Championships
