MacPherson fifth in NCAA steeplechase

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior Scott MacPherson gave a valiant effort in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on day three of the NCAA Outdoor Championships at John McDonnell Field Friday. Day three’s attendance hit 5,430.

The two-time NCAA Cross Country All-American picked up his first All-America honor on the track with a fifth-place finish in his signature event. He made a charge for third on the bell lap but was unable to hold on to bronze.

MacPherson clocked a time of 8:38.87, his fifth personal best of the season by dropping another four seconds off his time. He now ranks No. 7 on Arkansas’ all-time list. MacPherson did not finish lower than fifth in a steeplechase race this season including three wins.

Senior Nkosinza Balumbu will make a run for the NCAA title in the triple jump on Saturday. He finished sixth in the prelims with a leap of 53-1 to advance to Saturday’s 12 p.m. finals.

Freshman Tarik Batchelor did not advance to the finals. He finished 23rd in the triple jump prelims with a jump of 49-5.75.

Saturday’s events will begin at 10 a.m. with the field events and 12:05 p.m. with the running events. For complete results and more information, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.