CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The 2007 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships got underway today on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University and Bemidji State University's Shelby Hougen (Jr., Bemidji, Minn.) was in action competing for a spot in the 400-meter hurdle finals. Despite the junior finishing just a fraction of a second off of her own BSU-record pace, the nation's best Division II competition ran past her and into the finals.

Hougen finished fifth in the third heat of the event with a time of 1:02.42 and placed 14th in the field of 18.

Eight participants advanced to the finals. Runners who recorded times of 1:00.82 and faster will participate in Saturday evening's race for the NCAA Division II title in the event.

Carla Thompson from the University of Lincoln (Mo.) set the pace for the race legging out a 57.72--a time over two seconds faster than any other in the field.

Tomorrow, shot putters take the stage. BSU's All-American duo of Sheena Devine (Jr., North Branch, Minn.) and Joe Remitz (Jr., North Branch, Minn.) look to be in the mix for championship honors. Defending indoor shot put champion Devine posted the nation's second-best distance in the event just two weeks ago while Remitz finished in fourth place last spring earning All-American honors.

Devine is schedule to step into the throwing circle at 5:45 p.m. while Remitz begins competition at 3 p.m. Justin Cox (Sr., Menahga, Minn.) wraps up the championships for BSU as the discus throw will begin at 3 p.m.

Complete real time results can be viewed at http://www.jcsu.edu/athletics/ncaa/07DIINationals.htm