Foster Goes Sub-10 For Program Milestone

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – California track & field's David Foster had already established himself as one of the greatest sprinters in program history, having two school records to his name. On day three of the NCAA West Preliminary at John McDonnell Field, he distinguished himself even further by becoming the first Golden Bear ever to run the 100m in less than 10 seconds – and the first Cal man since 1960 (Willie White) to advance in the event to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
 
Foster's previous career best in the 100m was a wind-aided time of 10.06, as well as a program-leading legal time of 10.14 that he set at the Pac-12 Championships earlier this month. Competing in the 100m quarterfinal on Friday, he lowered his best all-conditions time to 9.91 – aided by a wind of +2.9 m/s – to win his heat for the auto-Q and claim the day's third-best time overall. This will mark the second NCAA Championships appearance for the Cal junior, who competed in the indoor 60m at the Indoor Championships in March and earned Second-Team All-America status.
 
"It was definitely more a matter of time and patience than training anything specific," Foster said about his results this season.
 
Foster also qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 4x100m relay along with teammates Chase Williams, George Monroe and Mason Mangum, posting a season-best combined time of 39.28 that improved their own program No. 2 entry and earned Cal's first Championships berth in the event since 2014. Williams, Monroe and Mangum – like Foster – will make their NCAA Championships debuts in June.
 
Earlier in the day, Riley Hunt and Jai Williams appeared for Cal in the high jump, but neither recorded a mark.
 
NCAA WEST PRELIMINARY – Day Three
Men's 100m Quarterfinal – 3. David Foster 9.91w (Q, wind-aided PR)
Men's 4x100m Relay – 8. California 39.28 (Chase Williams, George Monroe, Mason Mangum, David Foster – Q, Cal Top 2)
Men's High Jump – - Riley Knott NH; - Jai Williams NH
 
UP NEXT
Cal's women will close out the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday, beginning with the discus at 11 a.m. PT.
 
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