Syracuse Orange fans, it’s time for the final installment of this year’s “Get to Know Your Orange Runner” series. Special thanks to former XC runners Sydney Leiher and Joel Hubbard who contributed their thoughts as we look at some of the anticipated top runners from the men’s and women’s squads. Be sure to follow along as we chronicle the journey towards the NCAA Championships in Louisville this November.
We close this year’s series with two talented newcomers to the Orange. We might not see a lot from them in 2017, but they are going to be runners to watch over the next four years- Julien Webster and Noah Affolder.
Name: Julien Webster
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Thurmont, MD
High School: Catoctin
High School Highlights:
Finished 30th at the 2016 Foot Locker National Championships. Finished 7th in the 5000m at the New Balance Indoor Nationals. Finished in 2nd place in the 1600m and 3200m, and in 3rd place at the Maryland Outdoor State Championships.
Kevin’s Take:
Julien improved her 5000m time by a minute from her junior to senior year. This bodes well for her future in the Syracuse program as it demonstrates that she was tapping into her potential through experience. Foot Locker qualifiers typically enter college with high expectations, but the Syracuse staff is patient with new runners, tending to focus on the long-term development unless the athlete is ready to contribute right away. If she does race this season, Julien looks as though she could push for a spot in the top 7.
Name: Noah Affolder
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Carthage, NY
High School: Carlisle
High School Highlights
6th at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. Winner of the Great Edinburgh Cross Country Junior Race Winner of the Indoor Millrose Games HS Mile (set a meet record). Member of National Record setting Distance Medley Relay at Carlisle.
Joel Says: ”I think a lot people will be wondering whether or not Coach Fox and Coach Bell will decide to pull the redshirt off Affolder this fall. Noah comes into Cuse as a two time Footlocker All American, along with a handful of sub 8:50 2 mile times. If healthy, Noah has the potential of serving as a major part of this Orange program trying to find themselves on the podium for the third consecutive season.”
Kevin’s Take
Noah enters Syracuse as one of the most accomplished recruits in program history. He’s been one of the best HS distance runners in the country in the last two years and he certainly projects to have the potential to a major factor for the Orange. If he shows the staff that he’s ready to be in a position to be in the top 5 for Syracuse heading into the Championship season, they will run him. No matter what Noah’s going to be one of the runners that the Orange will need to step in after Knight/Bennie/Germano complete their eligibility.
Thank you to all who’ve read this series. I appreciate the support. Make sure you stay tuned to Nunes Magician all season as we follow the Orange and bring you the best college XC coverage on SB Nation.