Three athletes with local connections fared well in their appearances at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials Friday at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene.

Rialto native Damein White, representing Cal State Los Angeles, won his preliminary heat in the 200 meters with a 20.93 to qualify for today’s quarterfinal. White, running in the last of five heats, posted the 10th best time of those that advanced but was still off his personal best of 20.55.

In the javelin prelimiaries, USC junior Corey White advanced to Sunday’s final with a throw of 236 feet, nine inches. White, who won a Division III national title at the University of Redlands as a freshman, was the 10th plave overall qualifier.

Former Pomona-Pitzer distance standout Will Leer competed in the semifinals of the 1,500 meters and finished third in his heat (3:44.19). He will be one of 12 athletes in Sunday’s final, qualifying with the sixth best time.

Leer, running for the Oregon Track Club, was fourth in his preliminary heat Thursday with a 3:43.79. He spent the entire race in the middle of the pack on an inside lane and was fortunate to avoid trouble when another runner was tripped up and went sprawling to the ground.

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