CEDAR CITY — The NCAA announced its field for the NCAA Division I Indoor Nationals earlier this week, and two Thunderbirds have made the cut to compete.
L-R: Composite image of Astley Davis and Isaiah Labra at the WAC Indoor Track and Field Championship, Spokane, Washington, Feb. 24-25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University Athletics, St. George News
Southern Utah distance runner Isaiah Labra qualified to run the mile with his outstanding performance at the WAC Indoor Championships, running the race in 3:55.02.
Senior Astley Davis qualified in the triple jump based on an exceptional resume built over the course of the entire season, including a qualifying jump of 53.4 feet.
“Astley and Isaiah are among the best athletes in the NCAA,” Coach Eric Houle said. “To be one of 16 athletes out of around 2000 in each event is quite an accomplishment. Boston has a great facility, so it’s another opportunity for the two to improve their marks. It should be a great weekend.”
Long-distance Labra
Isaiah Labra at the WAC Indoor Track and Field Championship, Spokane, Washington, Feb. 24-25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University Athletics, St. George News
Isaiah Labra has been consistently improving over the course of the indoor season. Labra has set and broken records this winter, all leading up to his spectacular mile run at the WAC Indoor Championships in Albuquerque in February. Earlier this season, Labra set a personal record at the Husky Classic, finishing the mile in 3:58:50. The run put him in the fourth-best spot in the SUU record book at the time.
When it came time for the mile run at the WAC Indoor Championships, Labra stepped to the line with anticipation and got off to a hot start. He increased his speed over the course of the race and gained a lead that he wouldn’t surrender, finishing five seconds faster than the next closest competitor and smashing a conference record that had stood for over 45 years.
Soaring senior
Astley Davis at the WAC Indoor Track and Field Championship, Spokane, Washington, Feb. 24-25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University Athletics, St. George News
Astley Davis has showcased his exceptional talent and dedication in the realm of track and field, particularly in the triple jump event, throughout his collegiate career. Davis has consistently pushed the boundaries of his abilities, setting records and making significant strides in his performance.
His journey to qualify for the Triple Jump at the 2024 Division I indoor nationals was marked by remarkable achievements, notably during the 2024 indoor season. At the Lumberjack Team Challenge, Davis made waves by clinching first place in the triple jump with a phenomenal distance of 50′-10.00″, setting a new school record in the process.
His momentum continued at the Stacy Dragila Invitational, where he further improved the school record with an impressive jump of 53’05.00″.
Davis’ stellar performance wasn’t confined to the indoor season alone; his prowess also extended to outdoor competitions.
Southern Utah University’s Astley Davis outjumped the rest the triple jump field at the Western Athletic Conference track and field championships May 13, 2023. Davis’ winning jump measured 52 feet, 10.75 inches (16.12 meters) | Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics, St. George News
Notable highlights from the 2023 outdoor season include his outstanding triple jump distances of 52.8 feet at the WAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships and 51.9 feet at the Bryan Clay Invitational.
His jump of 53.05 feet at the 2023 Division I Outdoor Track and Field National Championship earned Davis All-American status with the eighth-best jump in the country.
Davis will aim to further cement his legacy as one of the top athletes in Southern Utah history by competing at Nationals next week.
Up Next:
The NCAA Division I Indoor Nationals will be held in Boston, Mass. The meet begins Thursday, Mar. 7 and ends on Saturday, Mar. 9.
Written by Regan Hunsaker, Southern Utah University Athletics.
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