INDIANAPOLIS – Following an impressive start to his UNC Pembroke career, the indoor track & field season was extended for Mekhi Hayes as the freshman punched his ticket to the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships.
 
A native of Chicago, Ill., Hayes was one of 18 student-athletes selected to compete for a national title in the 200 Meter Dash. The freshman posted a meet-record time of 21.59 at the Conference Carolinas Indoor Championships, which marked an NCAA provisional qualifying mark. 
 
He was one of six Conference Carolinas student-athletes selected who will be competing at the Indoor National Championships later this month. Hayes becomes just the fifth Brave to earn a berth to the NCAA Indoor Championships.
 
Hayes is set to run in the 200m prelims on Friday, March 14 at 5:20 p.m., with the finals set for Saturday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.