DePaul University Athletics
Wednesday, May 27
Fayetteville, Ark.
DePaul University
at
NCAA West Preliminary Rounds
Bernstein Punches Ticket to NCAA Championships
5/27/2026 7:22:00 PM | TRACK AND FIELD
DePaul begins NCAA West competition Wednesday in Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – DePaul track and field opened competition at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds on Wednesday morning at John McDonnell Field, highlighted by Alex Bernstein securing a return trip to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Bernstein advanced in the men's hammer throw with a fifth-place finish and a mark of 70.81m, earning one of 12 qualifying spots to Eugene. The senior will compete at the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive season after placing 18th nationally a year ago. Wednesday also marked Bernstein's third-career NCAA West First Rounds appearance.
Sophomore Jaiden Gary represented DePaul in the men's shot put after entering the meet ranked 40th in the West Region and among the nation's top-100 competitors. Though Gary fouled on his three attempts, the sophomore capped another strong season with his second NCAA appearance in as many collegiate seasons. One of the youngest throwers in the regional field, Gary continues to build valuable postseason experience early in his career.
NCAA West Preliminary Rounds - Day One
Fayetteville, Ark. – John McDonnell Field
Wednesday, May 27
Men's Hammer Throw: 5. Alex Bernstein - 70.81m (q)
Men's Shot Put: FOUL - Jaiden Gary
UP NEXT: Senior hurdler Helen Baumgarten will compete in the women's 100m hurdles on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. CT as the Blue Demons continue their run at the NCAA West Prelims.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all of the latest on DePaul Cross Country, Track & Field, stay tuned to DePaulBlueDemons.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Bernstein advanced in the men's hammer throw with a fifth-place finish and a mark of 70.81m, earning one of 12 qualifying spots to Eugene. The senior will compete at the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive season after placing 18th nationally a year ago. Wednesday also marked Bernstein's third-career NCAA West First Rounds appearance.
Sophomore Jaiden Gary represented DePaul in the men's shot put after entering the meet ranked 40th in the West Region and among the nation's top-100 competitors. Though Gary fouled on his three attempts, the sophomore capped another strong season with his second NCAA appearance in as many collegiate seasons. One of the youngest throwers in the regional field, Gary continues to build valuable postseason experience early in his career.
NCAA West Preliminary Rounds - Day One
Fayetteville, Ark. – John McDonnell Field
Wednesday, May 27
Men's Hammer Throw: 5. Alex Bernstein - 70.81m (q)
Men's Shot Put: FOUL - Jaiden Gary
UP NEXT: Senior hurdler Helen Baumgarten will compete in the women's 100m hurdles on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. CT as the Blue Demons continue their run at the NCAA West Prelims.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all of the latest on DePaul Cross Country, Track & Field, stay tuned to DePaulBlueDemons.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Players Mentioned
Hurdles
/ TRACK AND FIELD
Throws
/ TRACK AND FIELD
Throws
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