BIRMINGHAM, AL - Susquehanna sophomore hurdler Calder El Bachir Diakite finished his championship winter taking his place in the 60-meter hurdles preliminaries at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships at the Birmingham Crossplex. It marked his first indoor nationals appearance after qualifying for the outdoor championships last spring in the 110-meter hurdles. 

Diakite ran in the first of three heats for the 60H prelims. While he clipped the first few hurdles, Diakite was able to finish the length with a time of 9.11. It was ruled, however, that he DQ'd due to a lane violation. Diakite made the national championships thanks to running an 8.10 time at the Landmark Conference Indoor Championships back on Feb. 28, a new conference and championship meet record. He took gold at Landmarks in both the 60 hurdles and 200 meters, earning Landmark Men's Track Performer of the Year. 

The River Hawks now shift their focus outside as they look to begin the spring with a bang later this month. They'll head to Lebanon Valley on Saturday, Mar. 21 before hosting their annual Jim Taylor Duals on Saturday, Mar. 28.