2023 DI NCAA Outdoor Championships

Florida Sets Collegiate Record To Win Men's 4x400m At NCAA Championships

Florida Sets Collegiate Record To Win Men's 4x400m At NCAA Championships

Florida used a pair of 44-second legs to hold off Arizona State to win the 4x400m in 2:57.74, breaking the collegiate record at the NCAA Championships.

Jun 10, 2023 by Joe Battaglia
Florida Sets Collegiate Record To Win Men's 4x400m At NCAA Championships

AUSTIN --- Florida used a pair of 44-second legs from Jacory Patterson and Ryan Willie to hold off Arizona State to win the 4x400m in 2:57.74, breaking the collegiate, meet and facility records at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Florida's time lowered the collegiate record of 2:57.76 it set at the SEC Championships last month and meet and facility records of 2:58.82 the team ran in the semifinals on Wednesday night.

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Florida and Arizona State ran practically even through the first two laps, with Emmanuel Bamidele and Jevaughn Powell giving the Gators a two-hundredths of a second lead. Patterson extended that advantage by about a half second with a 44.94 third leg. Florida anchor Willie did everything in his power to hold off Arizona State anchor, Justin Robinson who split 43.92 and was gaining ground at the end. Willie's lean got the win.

"We've been training all year for this," Bamidele said. "We've been focused and I know I've been working, so it's just a mentality of 'do your best.' I trust my teammates. 

"I'm just grateful for every moment. No matter the outcome, I'm really grateful for where I am and where I came from."

Arizona State finished second in 2:57.78. UCLA placed third in 2:59.82. 

Alabama finished fourth with a time of 3:00.81, Texas A&M finished fifth with a time of 3:00.90, Baylor finished sixth with a time of 3:01.63, Georgia finished seventh with a time of 3:03.22, and Arkansas finished eighth with a time of 3:03.66. Clemson did not finish the race.