FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — Utah State track & field junior Maddie Edwards qualified for the quarterfinals of the women's 400-meter hurdles on the second day of the NCAA West First Rounds at John McDonnell Field on Thursday.  
 
Edwards placed 24th with a time of 58.69 in the 400-meter hurdles first round to qualify. 
 
"Maddie moving on to Saturday in the 400-meter hurdles was a big highlight of the day," said Artie Gulden, USU's director of track & field and cross country. "She's given herself a chance to qualify and we hope she can put together a perfect race Saturday." 
 
Edwards is scheduled to compete in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. (MT). 
 
Senior Djamilliah Paepke-Chile took 17th in the women's javelin with a PR throw of 49.01 meters (160-9). That mark ranks third all-time in USU history. 
 
"Djamilliah started the day off great for us by winning her flight," Gulden said. "For a while through flight two, we thought she may have a chance to advance. Regardless, the 17th place finish for her was phenomenal, especially to PR in her last competition. " 
 
In the women's 100-meter hurdles, senior Abbey Bryant finished 25th with a time of 13.36, matching her personal best from the Mountain West Outdoor Championships. 
 
"Abbey ran a really good hurdle race matching her PR, but missing out from moving on to Saturday was heartbreaking," Gulden said. "She's been a fantastic competitor and leader for the team. We will miss her." 
 
Senior Mattie Geddes placed 34th in the women's 800 meters with a time of 2:09.02. 
 
In the women's 10,000 meters, junior Emma Thornley finished 37th with a time of 35:49.68.  
 
"Very proud of Mattie and Emma for making it here to the west prelims," Gulden said. "Mattie will leave us as a school record holder and Emma gave her all tonight and gained some incredible experience for next year." 
 
The Aggie men will wrap up their competitions at the NCAA West First Rounds tomorrow with junior Godwin Charles in the triple jump, freshman Joseph Turner and senior Gavin Beierle in the discus and sophomore Logan Garnica, junior Max Wehrli and senior Mark Crandall in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. 
 
Fans can follow the Utah State track & field programs at twitter.com/USUTF_XC, on Facebook at USUTrack and on Instagram at instagram.com/USUTF_XC. Aggies fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics.  
 
NCAA West First Rounds 
John McDonnell Field | Fayetteville, Arkansas | May 23, 2024 
 
USU Women's Results: 
Javelin - 17. Djamilliah Paepke-Chile, 49.01 meters (160-9). 
100-Meter Hurdles (first round) - 25. Abbey Bryant, 13.36 [.354]. 
800 Meters (first round) - 34. Mattie Geddes, 2:09.02. 
400-Meter Hurdles (first round) - 24. Maddie Edwards, 58.69 q. 
10,000 Meters - 37. Emma Thornley, 35:49.68. 
 
-USU-