JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | Alabama A&M University sophomore hurdler Eric Barker probably didn't expect to wait more than four hours before competing in Wednesday's opening day of the NCAA Division I East First Round.
The story wasn't so much about the competitors during the first day, but more about the massive delay due to weather at the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium. With several events postponed and moved to Thursday, the track events started nearly four hours behind schedule.
Barker was originally slated to compete at 7:20 p.m. (CT) in the 400-meter hurdles, but with the delay, his start time was pushed to 11:05 p.m. (CT).
Barker, who ran a season-best time of 51.17 at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, was in the first of six heats, running 52.79 and finished 40th, failing to qualify for Friday's quarterfinals.
Grambling State's Quincy Cherry (20th) and Alabama State's Vaughn DeVaughn III (22nd) qualified for the quarterfinals, logging times of 51.04 and 51.08, respectively.
Alabama A&M's Laila Gaynor is set to compete in the women's 400m on Thursday. The opening round has been bumped up to a 2:55 p.m. (CT) start.
The 2025 NCAA East First Round continues Thursday and concludes Saturday. Fans will have the opportunity to watch every event as the meet will be streamed on ESPN+.
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