Eugene, Ore. Mike Hardy's dream season continued on Wednesday night at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Hardy qualified for the finals of the 3,000-meter steeplechase after placing fifth in his heat in a time of 8:43.51. lt;br />"He did what he needed to do and I know he can run faster in the final," Associate head coach Paul Pilkington said. "It went out pretty slow and it was hot. We are happy that he made the final and are excited to see what he can do on Friday." lt;br />Hardy found himself in the font of the pack for most of the race and was leading going into the final lap. He was in good position heading into the final water jump and held off a late charge from Edwin Kibichiy of the University of Louisville and Tanguy Pepiot of the University of Oregon to punch his ticket into the final. lt;br />Hardy will be the first Wildcat on the men's team to compete in a NCAA final since Brett Hales earned All-American honors in the steeplechase in 2011. lt;br />The final for the 3,000-meter steeplechase is scheduled to begin at 5:57 (MDT) on Friday. The race can be seen live on ESPN.