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Syracuse Orange distance star Justyn Knight left no doubt that his motivation is still strong after his NCAA XC title. In his first race since finally getting his individual NCAA championship Knight broke his own Syracuse record in the mile with a time of 3:55.82 at the Terrier Classic. Knight took 2nd in the race but his time smashed his previous school record as he turned in the 2nd fastest time in the country this season.
There were other strong Orange performances in the mile in Boston. Noah Affolder (4:02.46), Aidan Tooker (4:02.85) and Philo Germano (4:03.43) all turned in performances that fall in the top 25 in the country. Iliass Aouani showed he’s returning to form with a 7:59.88 in the 3000m and Kevin James won the 5000m with a time of 14:17.22. These results are not only good signs for track season, but Affolder and Aouani’s health will be key factor in the Orange keeping their ACC XC streak alive next Fall.
The Syracuse women were also making a strong impression on the BU track. Shannon Malone won the 5000m in a time of 16:13.07, which is 3rd in the ACC this year. Malone enjoyed a breakout XC season and it looks as though she’s carrying that over to the track. In the 3000m Paige Stoner was in NYC and turned in an ACC-leading time of 9:12.73 finishing as the 2nd fastest collegiate runner. while Madeleine Davison ran 9:36.62 in Boston. In the mile, Rachel Bonner ran a 4:49.52 which is 10th in the ACC right now.
The sprint/hurdle group was in NYC last weekend and several members of that group were impressive in their events. Eunice Boateng (7.53 in the 60m), Imani Clark (24.38 in the 200m) brought home victories. Khadejia Sellers (54.57 in the 400m) was 2nd in the meet but her time ranks 2nd in the ACC this season.
For the men in NYC, Kashif Miller won the 200m in a time of 22.04. Angelo Goss (2nd in 7.71) and David Gilstrap (3rd in 7.92) and Matt Moore (4th in 7.93) turned in strong performances in the 60m hurdles continuing Syracuse’s tradition of talent and depth in the event. ig pIf the Orange want to win another ACC title, these guys will be a big part.
Syracuse will be head back to Boston next weekend as the teams keep building towards the ACC Championships.