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Despite having only three athletes competing, the Syracuse Orange Men’s Track & Field team was able to earn a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships with 20 points. The Texas A&M Aggies won the final event of the meet to take the team title 46-45.5 over the Florida Gators.
Adam Palamar had advanced to the Mile finals with a 4:00.71 in his preliminary heat. In the final lap on Friday, Palamar moved up two spots with a strong move along the inside to advance.
Saturday’s final started with a slower pace as the field tried to keep Oregon Ducks star Edward Cheserek contained. That strategy worked as New Mexico Lobos runner Josh Long charged home with the win. Palamar ran his final 800m in 1:55 to finish 5th in a time of 4:06.47. After a disappointing ACC meet, this was a great result. Palamar earned 1st Team All-America honors for the Mile.
Freddie Crittenden III entered the meet as the 4th seed in the 60m hurdles. He qualified for the final in that same position after finishing 2nd in his preliminary heat.
In the final, Crittenden stepped up his performance and finished in 2nd (in a time of 7.67 seconds) behind Florida Gators standout Grant Holloway (7.58 seconds). Crittenden was out of the blocks quickly and seemed to be even until Holloway pulled away over the final two hurdles. This is the second year in a row where Crittenden finished in the runner-up spot and earned 1st-team All-America honors.
Justyn Knight was one of the pre-race favorites in the 3k and he showed why with his 2nd place finish. Knight kept Cheserek in sight the entire race, remaining patient and keeping his focus when things got a little physical. Cheserek looked to avoid a repeat of the mile race by taking the lead with more than six laps to go. Knight stayed with King Ches as the pace quickened, but the Oregon senior was able to find a faster gear in the final lap to take the win in 7:55.91. Knight closed quickly, finishing his final 800m in 1:59 to cross the line in 7:56.21 and earn 1st team All-America honors.
After the race, Knight spoke with LetsRun.com about his tactics as well as his plans for the upcoming outdoor season.
Congratulations to Adam, Freddie and Justyn on their accomplishments.