Lexington, Ky. – Youngstown State's hurdle duo of Harry Barton and Luke Laubacher both advanced in their respective races on Wednesday afternoon in the opening round of the NCAA East Preliminaries at Kentucky's Outdoor Track and Field Facility.

Barton ran a career-best time of 50.91 seconds in the 400m hurdles to post the eighth-best time in the event. Laubacher clocked an impressive time of 13.83 seconds into a stiff headwind and posted the 14th-best time in the event.

Laubacher will be one of 24 athletes vying for a spot in the NCAA Championships when he competes on Friday at 6:15 p.m. Barton will take to the track at 7:25 p.m.

YSU had five field athletes in action on Wednesday as well.

In the pole vault, Blake Sifferlin placed a career-best 16th clearing 5.32m while Dorian Chaigneau came in 20th at 5.22m. Sifferlin was one of just 18 athletes to clear 5.32m.

In the shot put, Ryan Henry placed a solid 29th in his prelims debut. Henry had a best toss of 17.77m. YSU's Dominic Perry ended his impressive career with a mark of 17.19m.

In the long jump, Jakari Lomax posted a best leap of 7.00m and placed 39th. He will be in action on Friday evening in his main event, the triple jump. That is slated for a 6 p.m. start.

Tomorrow evening, Erin Bogard and Melana Schumaker will both be in action in the pole vault. The event is scheduled for Noon.