LA CROSSE, Wis. – Cornell senior Ava Claussen-Tubbs made the most of her last chance with a record-breaking performance in the women's 800-meter run Thursday night at the UW-La Crosse Final Qualifier.
 
Claussen-Tubbs obliterated her own school record with a blistering winning time of 2:10.12, which unofficially propelled her into next week's NCAA Championships. Her mark ranks 16th nationally. The top 22 declared times qualify for nationals.
 
Claussen-Tubbs improved five places on the final lap to claim the title in the 15-woman field. The 14-time Midwest Conference champion shaved more than two seconds off her previous school record of 2:12.65, set in 2025.
 
Junior Jake Bach also put himself in NCAA contention in the men's 1500, placing fourth in a personal-best 3:49.42. The time stands 34th nationally. Bach was less than one second shy of teammate Isaac vanWestrienen's school record in the event.  
 
Senior Hailey Carolan posted the nation's 42nd-best mark in the high jump. She cleared a season-best 5 feet, 4.50 inches and finished fifth overall.
 
Chase Staker ran well in the men's 400, taking sixth in 48.77. Jensen Meeker was 10th in 49.90.
 
Sophomore Ike Claussen-Tubbs cleared 6-4.50 for sixth place in the men's high jump. Mackenzie Engbert finished seventh in the women's 1500 (4:42.61) and Jamie Briggs was 18th in the men's 800 (1:55.50).  
 
An official list of qualifiers will be announced at 7 p.m. Friday for the NCAA Outdoor Championships May 21-23 in La Crosse, Wis.