SACRAMENTO, Calif. – University of Iowa men’s track and field kicked off the NCAA West Preliminaries on Wednesday with four Hawkeyes advancing to the quarterfinals on Friday.

Juniors Austin Kresley, Jenoah McKiver, and Gratt Reed and senior Julien Gillum all earned automatic qualifications in their respective events. Kresley, McKiver and Gillum won their heats, while Reed took second in his race.

Kresley closed the day for the Hawkeyes with the fastest 200 meters in the west region, crossing the finish line in 20.33. In the 400 meters, McKiver won his heat in 45.70 – good for fifth on the day. Gillum ran 50.37, adding another heat win for a Hawkeye and sixth in the field.

Senior Elijah Barnes ended his collegiate career with a personal best in shot put. The Fort Madison, Iowa, native’s 18.57-meter (60′ 11.25″) throw ranks eighth all-time in the Hawkeye record book. Alongside Barnes, junior Quintin Lyons posted a personal best with a 17.84-meter (58’ 6.5”) mark.

200 Meters

1. Austin Kresley – 20.33, qualified for quarterfinals

400 Meters

5. Jenoah McKiver – 45.70, qualified for quarterfinals

110 Hurdles

8. Gratt Reed – 13.70, qualified for quarterfinals

400 Hurdles

6. Julien Gillum – 50.37, qualified for quarterfinals