Viken Advances To NCAA Championships

AUSTIN, Texas - Mick Viken became the second Eastern Illinois pole vaulter to qualify for the NCAA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships as he punched his ticket for Eugene, Oregon on Saturday afternoon.  Viken joins fellow female pole vaulter Jade Riebold as the Panthers representatives at the National Championships.

Viken cleared 17'8.50" to rank ninth based on number of attempts as the top 12 competitors advanced in the event.  The top 11 vaulters all cleared 17'8.50" with the final spot being decided based on number of attempts.  Viken's mark matches his career best.

In other action on Saturday David Johansson made the most of his last minute entry into the field as he placed 19th in the men's javelin.  Johansson had a career best toss of 212'1".  He was the 48th competitor in the field after a medical scratch on Monday night.

The National Championships take place June 5-8 in Eugene.  Last year both Viken and Riebold advanced to the National Championships with both earning All-American honors.