COLLEGE STATION, Texas---Portland men's runner Cathal Doyle has qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a stellar individual performance in the 1500 meter run at the West Preliminary Meet on Saturday. The Irish native holds the all-time program best finish in the event, and collected a new personal best on the day to notch a new school record with a time of 3:39.99.
 
"Amazing day for Cathal!" said men's head coach Rob Conner. "We are super proud of him. He was in 10th at the bell but ran the fastest last lap of the day with a :54, it was spectacular. This meet is about racing and Cathal is a great tactician. He showed up big time!"
 
Pilot standout Caleb Webb competed in two events on Saturday, claiming 25th-place overall in the 1500m quarterfinal in 3:50.75. Later on in the evening, Webb raced in the 5000m semifinal and clocked in at 14:34.17 for 37th place.
 
In the men's 3K steeplechase semifinal, Riley Osen crossed the line in 9:26.83.
 
On the women's side, Veerle Bakker nabbed the 19th place spot in the 3K steeplechase at 10:15.95. In the 5000 meter semifinal, Anna Pataki came in at 16:25.34, good for 21st place individually.
 
"Anna and Veerle ran great today!" said women's head coach Ian Solof. "They are both really tough, smart racers and capped off excellent seasons. We are excited to have them back in the fall."
 
Doyle will represent the Pilots at the NCAA Championships taking place June 9-12 at Hayward Field in Eugene.
 
NCAA West Preliminary
College Station, Texas
Saturday, May 29, 2021

Men's 1500 Meter Quarterfinal
8. Cathal Doyle (3:39.99) PR – First-place all-time record
25. Caleb Webb (3:50.75)
 
Men's 3000 Meter Steeplechase Semifinal
40. Riley Osen (9:26.83)

Women's 3000 Meter Steeplechase Semifinal
19. Veerle Bakker (10:15.95)
 
Men's 5000 Meter Run Semifinal
37. Caleb Webb (14:34.17)

Women's 5000 Meter Semifinal
21. Anna Pataki (16:25.34)