Griffin is one of just nine runners in the final race, with the final eight earning All-America status and the first-place finisher being crowned national champion.
Griffin ran in the day's first heat, claiming third with a solid time of 1:51.43, just .20 off his fastest collegiate time, set last week at Widener. With the top two of each of the three heats automatically qualifying for the finals, Griffin had just three spots to qualify by time. The senior clinched the first of those three spots to move on to Saturday, finishing in seventh place despite having the sixth fastest time.
Griffin and the other eight qualifiers will run at 2 p.m. on Saturday to determine the national champion.
