Ray Stewart 8th in NCAA 60m Hurdles Final Slow Start Keeps Senior from High Finish at National Indoor Meet

Ray Stewart

March 9, 2013




FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Cal senior Ray Stewart got off to a slow start and couldn't recover in the final of the 60-meter hurdles at the NCAA Indoor Championships Saturday, finishing eighth in 7.89 seconds.

Stewart tied the school record in the event in Friday's preliminary heats with a time of 7.68, but he wasn't able to duplicate the time Saturday. Still, he is the first Golden Bear to score in the sprint hurdles at the NCAA indoor meet since Rod Jett was fourth in the 55-meter hurdles in 1989.

"With indoors, the start in the 60 meters and 60 hurdles is everything," director of track & field Tony Sandoval said. "Ray still has consistency issues with his start. Tonight wasn't his night. None of these hurdlers are better than him. Nevertheless, he's made an unbelievable recovery from ACL reconstructive knee surgery this past year. He's healthy and fit, and I anticipate him to be even better in the 110 high hurdles."

Stewart, who sat out last season due to his knee injury, captured the Pac-10 110 hurdles title during his last healthy campaign, running 13.48 to win at the 2011 meet.

Eddie Lovett of Florida set a meet record with his winning time of 7.50 seconds Saturday, with Wayne Davis II of Texas A&M second in 7.59 and Clemson's Spencer Adams third in 7.60. An NCAA Indoor Championships special will air on ESPNU on March 17 from 4-6 p.m. PT.

Cal now turns its attention to outdoor track & field, starting with the Hornet Invitational March 16 in Sacramento. The Bears have three upcoming home meets at Edwards Stadium - the 17th Cal Multis March 27-28, a tri-meet with Virginia and Michigan March 6 and the annual Brutus Hamilton weekend April 26-27.

NCAA Indoor Championship
Randal Tyson Track Complex / Fayetteville, Ark.

Complete Results





Men's 60-meter Hurdles Results

1 Eddie Lovett JR Florida 7.50M
2 Wayne Davis II JR Texas A&M 7.59
3 Spencer Adams SR Clemson 7.60
4 Greggmar Swift JR Indiana State 7.70
5 Keiron Stewart SR Texas 7.72
6 Johnathan Cabral SO Oregon 7.73
7 Keith Hayes SR Kentucky 7.74
8 Ray Stewart SR California 7.89
M - Meet Record

Courtesy Cal