Syracuse Orange Freshman Justyn Knight didn't waste any time making an impact in his first career outdoor track meet. Knight broke the Syracuse school record in the 1500m last weekend at the Virginia Challenge. His time of 3:39.66 broke the previous record of 3:40, which was set in 1972 by Bruce Fischer, and it gives Knight the 7th-fastest time in the country so far this season, and the fastest time in the event among ACC schools. Knight was also named one of the ACC Performers of the Week.
Also taking home a title in Virginia was Senior Jesse Petersen who won the women's 10000m with a time of 34:18.63. The 10k is shaping up to be a strong event for the Orange this season. Petersen becomes the 3rd woman to post a top 10 ACC time, while Kevyn Hoyos and Max Straneva became the 5th and 6th members of the men's team to break the 30 minute barrier.
The sprint/jumps group had last weekend off, but that group saw success two weeks ago in Miami. Junior Rebecca Robinson posted a time of 53.76 in the 400m, which puts her in striking range of the school outdoor record of 53.32. Robinson's time was good enough for 2nd at the meet, and qualified her for the NCAA Regional meet. Teammate Shaina Harrison also qualified for the Regionals in the 100m with her time of 11.56. Robinson and Harrison talked about the meet and what it means to qualify early in the season.
Syracuse will send a group of athletes to this week's Penn Relays. The schedule and list of athletes can be found here