Pair of Golden Eagles Set for NCAA Championships

Bonde qualified for both the 100- and 200-meter dash events at the NCAA West Preliminary in Austin, Texas. The junior from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, placed ninth in the 100-meter with a time of 10.42, while placing 11th in the 200-meter with a career-best mark of 20.76. Bonde claimed Summit League titles in both events at the conference championships last month.

Bonde will begin action on Wednesday in the semifinals of the 100-meter dash, and continue on Thursday in the semifinals of the 200-meter dash. The 100-meter finals are held on Friday, followed by the 200-meter finals on Saturday.

Talbert will compete in the discus throw on Wednesday after placing second in Austin with a mark of 54.54 meters. Talbert entered the West Preliminary ranked fourth nationally with a school-record mark of 55.07 meters. 

The Newton, Kan., native had a remarkable outdoor season, racking up eight event wins, including three Summit League titles, and setting three school records. Talbert was named the Summit League Women’s Field Athlete of the Championships after totaling three wins and setting a new meet record in the discus throw.

Talbert looks to capture her second All-America honor, after placing sixth in the discus at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The top eight finishers in each event will earn USTFCCCA All-America status.