AUSTIN, TEXAS -- Drake senior Jeff Grassmeyer (Fremont, Neb.) was forced to drop out of the prelims of the men's 5,000 meter run Saturday night at the NCAA West Regional Track and Field Championships because of the hot and humid conditions.

Grassmeyer, who was making his final career appearance in the NCAA Regional, dropped out with 1,000 meters left in the race.

Forty-seven runners started the race, but six did not finish.

"Jeff had put himself in position to really place well, but it just didn't work out," said Drake assistant track coach Dan Hostager. "Nevertheless, to reach the NCAA regional again capped an outstanding career for Jeff."