July 3, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Georgetown University track and field program has been well represented at the United States Olympic Trials as a number of current and former student-athletes have competed this week at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Three current and former Hoya runners advanced to the semifinals of the 1,500-meter run, which will be held on Friday, July 4.

Current Hoya Andrew Bumbalough placed fifth in the first heat (3:459.49) to advance while former GU runner Chris Lukezic finished in third in the third heat of the event in 3:42.10, and Matt Debole placed ninth in that heat, but posted a time of 3:43.32 and was the only time qualifier for the semis.

The Olympic Trials will air on USA Network tonight beginning at 11 p.m.

Bumbalough (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) made headlines in February at the Giegengack Invitational by breaking the four-minute-mile mark with a time of 3:58.46. In April, Bumbalough posted the second fastest 1500m time in the country finishing in 3:40.22 at the Larry Ellis Invitational in Princeton, N.J. He also took the 1500m title at the 2008 BIG EAST Championships in Villanova, Pa. with a time of 3:52.72

Debole (Winston, Salem, N.C./Mount Tabor), who posted the third fastest 1500m time in the nation, with his 3:40.73 at the same Larry Ellis Invitational where Bumbalough posted his time. Debole finished fourth at the 2008 BIG EAST Championship, posting a time of 3:55.18. In February, he earned the 2007/08 BIG EAST/Aeropostale Institutional Scholar-Athlete Award for his success on the track and in the classroom.

Junior Buky Bamigboye (Brentwood, Tenn./University School) finished in 13th place in the women's heptathlon. Bamigboye was the second highest collegian in the event. Others competing this week included Monica Hargrove, who finished in seventh place in the finals of the 400 meters in 51.94 on Friday night.