Tobler One Step Closer To Beijing

EUGENE, Ore. - Eastern Illinois assistant track and field coach JaRod Tobler moved one step closer to a spot at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics as he advanced to the finals of the long jump at the 2008 USA Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Tobler placed second in Friday night's prelims with a jump of 26'09.25". He did record a jump over 27 feet but touched the line for a fault. The event winner was Miguel Pate with a jump of 27'0.50". Third place was Brian Johnson at 26'06.50"

The top three finishers from Sunday's long jump finals will earn Olympic Team spots for Team USA. Sunday's final will be at 3:15 p.m. (Pacific) and will be aired on NBC.

Tobler recently finished his first season as a member of the EIU Track and Field coaching staff coaching jumps. He was a former All-Missouri Valley Conference jumper at Illinois State University.

Link to USATF Trials