Seniors William Barnes and Donovan Tolbert will compete in the NCAA championships Friday in Birmingham, Alabama. Barnes will compete in the 60-meter hurdles and Tolbert will compete in the triple jump.

Barnes holds the Kent State record in the hurdles and the fastest time in the Mid-American Conference, which he set Feb. 27 in Akron. Tolbert holds the Kent indoor record in the triple jump, a record he set earlier this season.

Barnes competed in the nationals, placing in the top twenty of the 60-meter hurdles last spring.

“I feel comfortable,” Barnes said. “I’m excited and nervous all at the same time. Everyone’s times are so close this year.”

Barnes goes into nationals with his time of 7.67, his personal best, and is ranked third in the country, behind Oregon and Louisiana State University.

Making his first appearance in the NCAA championships, Tolbert is ranked in ninth place in the triple jump with his best jump of 53’ 1, a Kent State record. He is only .05 meters away from eighth place.

“This position is such a blessing to be in, I’m very nervous about how it will turn out.” Tolbert said. “Throughout this I just have to focus on Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

Samantha Lough is the track and field reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].