Syracuse represented at U.S. Track & Field Championships

The Syracuse Orange track and field program was well represented at the US Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines Iowa this weekend. Since there is no World Championships meet this year, the event did not serve as a qualifying event, but it still brought out some of track and field’s best competitors. Six athletes with Syracuse ties were part of the competition and Jarret Eaton led the way for the group.

Eaton finished 3rd in the 110m hurdles in a time of 13.51. The event was won by Devon Allen who was able to out-lean Florida Gators standout Grant Holloway with Eaton just behind at the tape. It’s impressive to see how Eaton continues to perform despite lacking sponsorship. He’s going to be in the mix for a spot on the 2020 US Olympic team. Freddie Crittenden III and Antonio Goss also competed in the 110 hurdles in Des Moines. Crittenden made the semi-final and finished 16th.

Sophomore Aidan Tooker was the only returning Syracuse athlete to compete and he closed his 2018 with a new school record in the 3000m steeplechase semifinal. Tooker’s 8:30.10 was a five second PR and the fastest time by a collegian this season. He came back in Sunday’s final to finish 11th. Tooker’s strong outdoor season positions him for the 2018 XC season where he’ll be looking to lead the Orange to a defense of their ACC team title.

Sarah Pagano continued her strong post-collegiate performances with a 5th place finish in the women’s 10000m in Des Moines. Pagano who runs for the Boston Athletic Association finshed in a time of 32:13.21. Colin Bennie was 11th in his first post-collegiate race. Bennie finshed the men’s 10000m in a time of 29:27.14.

These performances are more evidence that the Orange track and field program is becoming stronger. With Justyn Knight ready to embark on his professional career, the program will gain more exposure on the international scene and we’ll keep you posted on what these Syracuse alums are doing.