Ronnie Ash took another big step in Friday's 110m hurdle semifinal as he topped his heat and maintained 2nd position overall, finishing in 13.46, just .01 seconds behind national leader Jason Richardson of South Carolina to advance to Saturday final of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Following the race, Ash was concerned with his performance and how it could have been better, despite the win and high placement. "Today I felt like it wasn’t the best race," Ash commented. "I came out of the blocks somewhat relaxed, and noticed that the runner from Florida [William Wynne] got a good jump out and that’s when I knew I had to make up some ground."

"I’m coming in with the second fastest time behind Jason [Richardson]. Anything can happen in the finals; we’ll just see what happens, but I’ll be ready for it. We’re going to get the starts ready for tomorrow, and I’ll come out smoother and better. Hopefully that will turn into a win in the race."

Coach Garfield Ellenwood II is always coaching, even after a smooth victory, who was immediately working with Ash on improving for tomorrow's final. "The race itself was technically sound, but the first three hurdles need to be faster, and that’s going to come from the [starting] block, and everything else will take care of itself from there."

Ash’s performance sets the stage for a much anticipated showdown between the nation's two top hurdlers. Ash and Richardson have competed head-to-head twice in the 2009 season, with Richardson winning the first at the Penn Relays, and Ash claiming the victory at the NCAA East Regional. In his aspirations to add another national title to his name this season, to match Ash's Indoor 60m Hurdles crown, Ash has one more race and a tough battle ahead of him.

In additoin to Ash, Joel Redhead will attempt earn a title of his own in the 200m Dash final at 1:42 p.m. EST on Saturday, June 13. Redhead