CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One day after suffering a leg injury in the preliminary round of the 100 meters, Michigan Tech sprinter Robert Haynes (Lansing, Mich./Sexton) ran through pain in the prelims of the 200-meter competition at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships Friday. The multi-sport (football and track) athlete did not qualify for the finals, but capped an outstanding year by becoming the first MTU track and field athlete to make an appearance at the NCAA Championships since Justin Blake took seventh in the hammer throw competition during the 2005 season.

"Rob ran pretty well, considering that he was operating at about 65-70 percent," said track and field coach Joe Haggenmiller. "Within a short time of when the race started it was clear you weren't going to see the Rob that has been running all year.

"Neither one of us knew what would happen until Rob got to the starting blocks," said Haggenmiller. "Obviously, it's disappointing for his season to end this way, but it wasn't for a lack of effort or preparation."

An All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection in each of the past two seasons, Haynes posted a record-breaking time of 10.48 to take home the top prize in the 100 at the GLIAC Championships in his second collegiate campaign. He added a third-place showing in the 200 at the GLIACs with a reading of 21.53, and followed that up by setting a personal best mark of 21.14 at the Aquinas Twilight Open.

Haynes was also a top five finisher in the 100 and 200 at the conference meet a year ago, and was recognized as the GLIAC Freshman of the Year for his efforts.

"There are some positives to these experiences because now Rob has a feel for what the NCAA Championships are all about," said Haggenmiller. "He has a lot to look forward to while he gets healthy in the offseason."

The 2007 outdoor track and field season for MTU is now complete.