Watson Finishes Fourth, Wade Sixth In NCAA Semis

May 30, 2001

Eugene, OR – University of Miami senior Natalie Watson (Coral Springs) finished fourth in her semifinal heat of the 800-meters while sophomore Jamillah Wade (Philadelphia, PA) took sixth in her semifinal heat of the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, OR.

Both failed to qualify for Friday’s finals of their respective events.

Watson ends her career as arguably the best 800-meter runner in Miami history. During her four seasons with the Hurricanes, Watson twice earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships all four seasons. She won the BIG EAST Outdoor 800-meter title this season and was conference indoor champion at 800-meters in 2000. Watson was also a member of the 2000 BIG EAST Indoor 4×800-meter relay champions. She leaves Miami with seven school-records to her credit.

Wade, competing in her first NCAA Championship meet, finished her semifinal heat with a time of 1:00.63. The 2001 BIG EAST Champion in the 400-meter hurdles, Wade is just the second Hurricane in school-history to qualify for the NCAA Championships in the 400-hurdles.

Action continues Thursday as sophomore Saraque Whittaker (Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) will compete in the semifinals of the 400-meters. Whittaker enters the competition with the nation’s 14th fastest time (52.77).