MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Gallaudet University All-American sprinter Eric Gregory (Metairie, La.) is not used to missing a final in a sprint event he enters but that is what happened last year at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Gregory missed the finals in the 200-meter dash for the first time since his first year with the Bison in 2019 when he placed 10th in his first NCAA championships.

On Thursday, Gregory left no doubt that he was not going to miss out on the finals for the men's 200-meter dash at the 2024 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.

Gregory ran in the fastest heat as half of Saturday's final hails from the second heat. Wisconsin-La Crosse standout Sam Blaskowski posted a new facility record when he crossed the finish line in 20.55 seconds. Gregory was close behind in second with a time of 20.85, which tied for the second fastest time in the preliminaries.

The finals are comprised of the three heat winners and the next five fastest times. The 200-meter dash final will be held on Saturday, May 25, at 6:50 p.m.

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Gregory is back on the track (tomorrow) Friday, May 24, for two more preliminary races. The two-time defending national champion in the 400-meter dash will begin his title defense at 5:15 p.m. Gregory will be in the first heat in lane six. He will turn around and run in the 100-meter dash preliminaries at 5:45 p.m. Gregory will run in the second heat in the first lane. His heat will also feature Blaskowski.