FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Yared Kidane and Roman Kuleshov showed they are in prime shape to compete for national titles here Friday at the John McDonnell Invitational hosted by the University of Arkansas.

Kidane won the 800-meter run in 1:51.71 and Kuleshov the triple jump with a leap of 15.75m. Both topped athletes from four-year schools such as Arkansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Kuleshov, who now ranks second in program history, also qualified for nationals with his performance. Chloe Garcia Grafing achieved an automatic qualifying time for nationals in the 800, placing ninth.

Britney Brown was the 400-meter runner-up with a time of 55.79, Aries Scott placed sixth in the long jump, James MacKey Jr. was seventh in the discus and Robin Aguilar Gonzalez ninth in the 800.

"The weather wasn't ideal on our trip south but that wasn't an excuse for us not to perform," said Dee Brown, Executive Director of Track and Field at Iowa Central. "We saw a lot of improvement in places that won't show up in the results but we will see them soon. We are looking forward to getting back to Iowa and some decent weather."

The Tritons are set to remain in Iowa this coming week, taking part in the Red Raider Open in Orange City Wednesday and Thursday.

-By Dana Becker