Syracuse Orange fans, it’s time for this year’s “Get to Know Your Orange Runner” series. This year, former XC runners Sydney Leiher and Joel Hubbard have contributed their thoughts as we look at some of the anticipated top runners from the men’s and women’s squads. Both teams are looking to make it to the NCAA Championships in Louisville this November.
Today we look at two runners who took a redshirt last Fall, but who will be looking to crack the Top 7 in 2017: Rachel Bonner and Joe Dragon
Name: Rachel Bonner
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Port Huron, MI
High School: Port Huron
2016 Performances
Did not officially compete, but won the John Reif Invitational while running unattached.
Sydney Says: “Coming off of a Redshirt year, the team will be looking at Rachel to become a key scorer this season. Likes: Reading, Jokes, Hammocks.”
Kevin’s Take
The decision to redshirt Rachel last Fall might work out well for her and the women’s program. Rachel was the Michigan Division 1 outdoor state champion in the 1600m her senior year. Last weekend at Colgate she was 4th overall and is part of the young group of runners hoping to help the Orange get back to the NCAA meet.
Name: Joe Dragon
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Wantagh, NJ
High School: High Point
2016 Performances
Harry Lang: 3rd 20:09.3 *Ran unattached
John Reif: 2nd 15:06 *Ran unattached
Joel Says: ”I'm really excited to see Joe make his orange debut on the cross country course. While Joe showed a lot of promise during the indoor track season, His training spoke even louder. After a big summer, Joe will be setting himself up nicely for a chance to crack the top 10 for the ACC team, and the top 7 nationals squad.”
Kevin’s Take
Joe turned in some strong performances during the 2016 indoor season and last Fall in his two unattached races. He was noticable this summer whenever I saw the men out training and not just because the rest of the Orange squad wouldn’t look out of place at a 14U AAU basketball tournament. Joe was part of the lead group last Saturday and I think he’ll be one of the guys pushing the top 5. Not only is he looking to crack the ACC/NCAA lineup this season, but he’s setting up to be a key contributor for Syracuse for the next four years.
Syracuse heads to Penn State this Friday to take part in the Harry Groves . Stay tuned to Nunes Magician all season as we follow the Orange as they look to go “Back to Bat” in Louisville in November.