EUGENE, Ore. — Auburn’s Reuben McCoy advanced to today’s final of the men’s 400-meter hurdles to highlight the second day of action for former Tigers at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

McCoy raced to an impressive time of 48.37 in the opening semifinal heat, finishing behind only Kerron Clement, who won in 48.20. McCoy’s time was faster than the winning time of 48.63 in the second heat, giving him the second-best time entering the final.

“Technically, it was pretty good,” McCoy said. “I stutter-stepped a little bit on the last hurdle. I showed up to compete, though, and that was the goal.

“Today went well. It was much cleaner then yesterday. Overall, it was a much better experience.”

Markita James just missed qualifying for the women’s 400-meter hurdles final, missing out on the eighth and final spot by two-thousandths of a second. James had a time of 56.176, while the final qualifying time was 56.178.

Auburn’s first finalist of the Olympic Trials was Cory Martin, who competed Saturday in the shot put final. Martin could not equal his mark from Friday’s prelims, finishing eighth with a top throw of 19.62 meters (64-4.5). He will also compete in the hammer throw during the Trials.