June 9, 2011
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| Steeplechase Results
• Thursday Coverage: Live Results | Watch Live
DES MOINES, Iowa - Senior Andrew Benford finished 15th Wednesday night in the 3,000m steeplechase as action at the 2011 NCAA Track & Field National Championship began at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. Benford missed a spot in the finals by .11 seconds.
In the final race of his outstanding collegiate career, Benford earned Second Team All-America honors.
Benford was running in the first of two heats in the semifinals of the 3,000m steeple, with the top six in each heat automatically advancing to the Friday's finals. In addition, the next two best times also advance.
With 150m remaining in the race, Benford was comfortably in fourth place, but slipped on the final barrier and was caught up in the water pit and crossed the finish line in a time of 8:50.11.
"It was a tough way to finish a tough event," said head men's coach Steve Taylor. "But he never gave up and he fought to the finish. I'm proud of his efforts and appreciate everything he has given to our program the last five years."
Action continues at the NCAA National Championship on Thursday.
Follow head coach Steve Taylor throughout the Championship via Twitter and his Blog.
