MACOMB, Ill. - Four Fighting Leathernecks will compete at the NCAA Track and Field West Preliminary Rounds in Austin, Texas from May 24-26.

Nichole Manning (women's pole vault), Nathaniel Marshall (men's hammer throw), Dana LaRue (women's shot put) and Jamario Taylor (men's high jump) will make the trip to Mike A. Myers Track Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas. They will attempt to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which take place in Des Moines, Iowa from June 6-9.

"It has been an exciting season and we are looking forward to its continuation with the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds," said second-year Western Illinois head coach David Beauchem. "I expect some great performances from our qualifiers. They have worked hard and now they will have the opportunity to reap the rewards of their commitment."

A field of 48 entries per event will comprise the West Region. From that group of athletes, field sizes will be trimmed down to 12 athletes who will compete in Des Moines.

Qualifying rounds in the women's shot put (1 p.m. CST) are set for Thursday (May 24). On Friday (May 25), the women's pole vault is scheduled for 1 p.m. while the men's hammer throw begins an hour later. The men's high jump starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday (May 26).

Taylor (Aurora, Ill./East Aurora) became the fifth Leatherneck to win an outdoor men's high jump conference title by clearing a height of 7-00.25. The last Fighting Leatherneck to win an outdoor men's high jump conference title was Lawrence Hardin in 2010 (6-08.75). Taylor's season-best performance at the SIUE Gateway Classic (7-00.50) ranks 40th nationally and 19th in the NCAA West Region. 

LaRue (South Holland, Ill./Thornwood) used a personal best throw of 51-00.25 to place second in the women's shot put at The Summit League Championships. Her effort ranks 60th in the nation and 33rd in the NCAA West Region. LaRue also qualified for the 2011 NCAA Regional Championships.

Manning (Kansas City, Mo./Winnetonka) cleared a height of 13-02.50 at The Summit League Championships to set the pole vault program record and place third overall. Manning's effort ranks 52nd in the nation and 33rd in the West Region. She also qualified for the 2009 and 2011 NCAA Regional Championships.

With a toss of 191-11, Marshall (Bushnell, Ill./Bushnell-Prairie City) placed second in the men's hammer throw at The Summit League Championships. His season-best effort at the Fighting Scots Invitational (192-02) ranks 89th nationally and 48th in the West Region.

Fans can follow the four Fighting Leathernecks online as Texas will provide live results during the meet. To view the live results page, click HERE.

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