‘Really inspiring’: Rainbow Wahine to compete in NCAA Track and Field Championships

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A group of University of Hawaiʻi track and field athletes is in Arkansas to compete in the NCAA Championships First Rounds, which begin Thursday.

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UH has four athletes who qualified. Two are returning competitors, and two will make their NCAA regional debut.

Lilian Turban qualified in the high jump and javelin. It will be her her fourth time competing.

“This is my second time in Arkansas. I would say that I’m less nervous than ever, just trying to take it all in and make the most out of it, since I know this is my last time,” said Turban.

Also returning is Tara Wyllie, who will compete in the triple jump for the third time.

“I’m just really grateful to have gone in the mark to experience regionals for the third time. It’s really inspiring being around other high-level athletes and it just kind of ignites something in me again,” said Wyllie.

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Two athletes will make their first appearance at the NCAA regional meet: Robyn Larkan in the 100-meter hurdles and Samaria Vital in the discus.

“I’m really excited. Last year I got into the 60s, so I was right at the cusp but missed it by a meter, so that was my main goal this year,” said Vital.

“My main goal was to make it to regionals. It’s my first regionals and I guess just going out there racing and trusting the work I put in at practice,” Larkan said.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the university has sent multiple athletes to the NCAA First Round.

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