EUGENE, Ore. --- Portland senior Woody Kincaid advanced to the finals in the 5000 meters by winning his heat at the 2016 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials at historic Hayward Field on Monday night. Kincaid, who just completed a decorated collegiate career, will next run in the 5000m final, which is scheduled for Saturday night.

"I'd say he is rounding ino shape at the right time," said coach Rob Conner. " He had a pretty big week after the Stumptown meet and he didnt taper down for this prelim. He felt he needed more training for the final and he knew he'd be running it. 

Kincaid began the race positioning himself near the front of the pack. Several times during the race he found himself boxed in within the compact spread of the heat. But then in the bell lap, Kincaid kicked from the back of the pack to earn a first-place finish with a time of 13:47.86.

"I felt I dug deep and fought the inner voice that wanted to let the other guys go, so I'm happy with my finish, because now I know I can kick with the best," said Kincaid. "I approached this race with the mentality that I was going to the finals no matter how I felt that day. I just had to keep myself and I knew that I wouldn't let it end. Honestly, sometimes it's wiser lay off the gas and cruise in during qualifying events, but for beter or worse, I'm so competitive that I'll stretch for that win everytime. 

The top six finishers from each heat automatically advance to the finals, along with the next four fastest times. Kincaid's time marks the fastest overall time going into the finals, which will take place at 5:20 p.m. on Saturday.