EUGENE, Ore. — Three former members of the Auburn track and field teams advanced to the next round during the opening day of the U.S. Olympic Trials late Friday night.

Cory Martin reached the finals of the shot put, and Reuben McCoy and Markita James advaned to the semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles.

Martin finished fifth in the prelims of the men’s shot put to reach the finals, which will take place Saturday. Martin’s best throw of 20.24 meters (66-5) came on his second of three attempts, and he passed on his third throw with a spot in the finals already assured.

McCoy won his heat in the first round of the men’s 400-meter hurdles with a time of 49.87. His time ranked ninth best overall in the first round.

“It went pretty good today,” said McCoy. “I just wanted to save up enough energy because tomorrow is going to the be the toughest round. I really don’t know what to expect going into the next round, but all I can do is just have faith in myself.”

James was third in her heat with a time of 56.63 to earn an automatic spot in the semifinals. She was in the fastest of four heats as her time ranked fifth overall.

The semifinals of the 400m hurdles will also take place on Saturday.