Syracuse University
NCAA Outdoor Championship
Path to the NCAA Championship: Bush
6/9/2009 8:34:39 AM | Track and Field
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Seniors Kyle Heath (steeplechase) and Bernard Bush (long jump) and junior Uhunoma Osazuwa (heptathlon) have all qualified to represent the Orange at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Fayetteville hosted by the University of Arkansas. The four-day event spans from Wednesday, June 10 to Saturday, June 13.
Heath is making his second-consecutive trip back to the NCAA Championship and looking to repeat as an All-American. Last year, he broke the school record in the steeplechase and placed six, garnering All-America status (Top eight receivers All-America rank). Bush and Osazuwa have enjoyed great postseason success this year, but both venture into unchartered territory at their first NCAA Championship appearance.
Bush's route to the NCAA Championship will make up the second part of the Orange championship preview.
Bush has enjoyed success in his final season on many levels. Most recently, Bush vaulted his way to the NCAA Championship after clearing 7.38m in the long jump during the first day of the NCAA Regional Championship at North Carolina A & T State.
The Tacoma, Wash. Native topped his performance at Regionals three times this season, including a personal best of 7.50m for third place at the IC4A Championship. Bush also garnered All-BIG EAST honors after his second-place showing of 7.28m at the conference championship. The fourth-year jumper owns the top six marks of the outdoor season.
Bush took part in three triple jump events this season, chalking up a second-place performance of 14.42m at the UNC Invite on April 11. He claimed third at the Larry Ellis Invite (14.17m) and 12th at the BIG EAST Championship (14.16m).
Bush's versatility was flashed at the IC4A Championship as he filled in for an injured teammate in the 4 x 100-meter relay and aided the Orange to victory. Bush joined classmate Terry Marshall and sophomores Jarret Eaton and Sham Lewis for a winning time of 40.35; a mere 0.05 seconds from tying the school record set in 1995.
Bush is one of 27 long jumpers for a shot at a national championship.
Below is Bush's schedule for competition:
Wednesday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m.
Long Jump – Qualifying Round
Thursday, June 11 at 4:45 p.m.
Long Jump – Final Round
