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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.-The Eastern Michigan University men's track and field team sent two representatives to the 2009 NCAA Track and Field Championships, June 10-13, at the University of Arkansas' John McDonnell Track. Senior Josh Karanja (Ottawa, Ont.-Nepean) and junior Gerald Gersham (Southfield, Mich.-Southfield) both qualified for the championship after placing in the top-five at the 2009 Mideast Regional, May 29-30.

After a three-hour delay due to poor weather conditions, Karanja qualified for the finals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase final by finishing fifth in his heat, running 8:45.08. This will be Karanja's first appearance in an NCAA Track and Field Championship finale. He had previously qualified in the steeplechase at the 2007 championship but did not make it past the semifinals.

After a career performance at the NCAA Mideast Regional, Gersham followed it up with yet another personal-best throw. The Southfield, Mich. native tossed 56-05.25 on his first attempt in the preliminary round before fouling out on his second throw. In his final attempt in the qualifying round, he threw a lifetime-best 59-11.00, a few inches farther than his previous best to finish 14th overall, just two slots shy of making the final round. The junior earned back a year of eligibility and will return to the Eagles next season as a fifth year senior.

Karanja will run in the final of the steeplechase Friday, June 12.