EUGENE, Ore. - Northwest basketball alumnus and former Alabama track and field standout Shelby McEwen is one jump closer to making a return to the Olympic games.

McEwen, a native of Abbeville, finished in a four-way tie for first place in Thursday evening's high jump qualifying round. McEwen, along with Mayson Conner, JuVaughn Harrison and Earnest Sears, each finished with a result of 2.19 meters, sending all three to the Sunday's final round.

Additionally, eight other competitors qualified for the finals as well, finishing with either 2.19 meters or 2.14 meters.

McEwen previously qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, finishing 12th in the world for high jump. He ran track at the University of Alabama after spending two seasons playing men's basketball for Northwest from 2015-17. During his Ranger career, McEwen played in every game and developed into an every day starter by his sophomore season. In 49 career contests, he averaged 5.3 points, three rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, along with 46 career steals and 17 blocks.

Sunday's high jump finals are scheduled for 5:30 P.M. Central, with coverage slated to air on Peacock.