Community Champions: UTEP hurdler eyeing national title at NCAA Track & Field Championships

EL PASO, Texas - A UTEP hurdler is looking to bring home a national title at next week's NCAA Track and Field Championships.

Marissa Simpson qualified for nationals in the 100 meter hurdles.

At last week's NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field West First Round, Simpson clocked a personal best in the event with a time of 12.94.

Simpson's time of 12.94 is ranked no. 2 on the program’s all-time list behind Miner great Tobi Amusan (12.57). 

She's the first UTEP female 100-meter hurdler to advance to nationals since 2017 when Amusan sprinted her way to a national championship.

For all of her accomplishments, Simpson is has been named this week's Community Champion.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

Simpson is one of five Miners headed to the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

The other UTEP Athletes are as follows:

Jakub Belik – High Jump

Victor Kibiego – 3000m steeplechase

Arianne Morais – Javelin

Marissa Simpson – 100m hurdles

Roosa Yloenen – Javelin

The NCAA Track and Field Championships begin June 7th and continue until June 10.