UW-Whitewater sophomore Brooke Bell (Milwaukee/Alexander Hamilton) advanced to the finals of the 100 meters with a 12.24 time in the trials of that event in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Don Drumm Stadium in Marietta, Ohio Friday.  Warhawk junior Dana Thompson (Belleville/Belleville) competed in the discus, but did not advance to the finals.  UW-Whitewater's Championship Central site

Bell's of 12.24 was the fourth fastest in the 100 trials.  Amanda LaRocca, a junior from Illinois Wesleyan, had the top time of 12.09, and defending D3 champion Callen Martin of Wilmington College was second at 12.13.  The times assign lanes for the finals but do not figure in places or points. 

Bell had already qualified for the finals in the 200 with her effort Thursday.  She ran the fastest time in the field, 24.26, setting a Drumm Stadium record in the process. 

Bell earned All-America honors in the 200 last year, finishing seventh.  The top eight finishers in each event, including relays, earn the distinction at the NCAA III championship.

Thompson, the defending NCAA III discus champion, threw 134-8 in Friday's trials.  The top throw was 157-3 by Ellie Sitek of UW-Oshkosh.  Thompson's best was just one competitor removed from advancing to the finals.

The NCAA III championship, which is being hosted by Marietta College, will conclude Saturday.

For additional information:  Dave Wiederrecht