University of Oregon senior Edward Cheserek has withdrawn from next weekend's NCAA West Preliminary Round competition in Austin, Texas with a lower back injury.
The withdrawal brings Cheserek's collegiate career to a close because the NCAA preliminary round is a qualifying meet for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, June 7-10 at Hayward Field.
In a prepared statement, UO coach Robert Johnson said the Ducks made the decision to protect Cheserek's future.
"This is a minor injury that could potentially become worse if he runs on it too soon," Johnson said. "As much as Edward would like to run, it is our responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of our student-athletes and in this case, it means taking Edward out of the regional meet.