SAN ANGELO, Texas (May 21, 2009)--Bellarmine University senior Katie Hickey qualified for the finals in the 1500 meter run at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships by running a school record 4:31.21 in today's first qualifying heat at the LeGrand Sports Complex in San Angelo, Texas.

Bellarmine Head Coach Jim Vargo said that Hickey ran a great race, leading at the 800 meter mark before coasting to a third place finish. Overall, Hickey posted the fourth fastest time in the women's 1,500.

The finals will be run Saturday, May 23 at 7:05 p.m.(EDT), with the top eight runners earning All-America status in outdoor track. Last year, Hickey--a doctor of physical therapy student from Cincinnati--earned that distinction in the 3,000 meters.