Clayton State’s Rolle qualifies for NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field championships
Senior All-American to compete in men’s triple jump for second straight season

MORROW, Ga. – May 12, 2009 – For the second straight season, Clayton State’s Ahmad Rolle has qualified to compete in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Rolle learned of his status Tuesday when the NCAA announced the field for the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor championships, which will be held on May 21-23 at Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas. Rolle will represent Clayton State in the men’s triple jump.

"This has been a great month for Ahmad," said Clayton State head coach Mike Mead. "He earned his Bachelor’s degree last Saturday (May 9) and then learned today that he would be competing in the national championships. He’s had a fine career here at Clayton State, competing in four national championships."

Rolle enters the national meet seeded 16th in the men’s triple jump. He qualified for nationals with a jump of 49-0¼ feet at the UNF Osprey Challenge on April 18 in Jacksonville, Fla. In addition, he also won the triple at the Coach "O" Invitational at Troy on April 25 and finished second at the Division II South Region championship at Morehouse on May 2.

Last season, Rolle just missed earning Division II All-American honors at the Outdoor championships, finishing ninth overall. The top eight finishers in each event earn Division II All-American honors. However, he did finish fourth last year at the Indoor championships in Mankato, Minn., to earn All-American honors. This spring at the Indoor championships in Houston, Rolle finished 10th overall.

Next week, Rolle will compete on Saturday, May 23 at 5:05 CDT, aiming to conclude a decorated Laker career on a high note.

"The competition is going to be tough at nationals this season, but Ahmad thrives at it," Mead said. "During his time here, he has greatly improved his speed and hopefully it will all come together for him in his final collegiate meet next week."