Syracuse’s Lawler Secures Spot in NCAA Championships: Celebrating Athletic Excellence!

Sam Lawler made history by becoming the first member of the Orange track and field team to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He finished eighth in the semifinal for the 10,000-meter run during the NCAA East First Round in Jacksonville, earning his spot in Eugene, Oregon, in just two weeks.

Despite facing a lengthy weather delay of over four hours, the competition didn’t wrap up until nearly 1:30 a.m. Lawler crossed the line with a time of 29:04.98, securing his place in the finals. Unfortunately, teammate Assaf Harari just missed qualifying, finishing 13th with a time of 29:20.79, just 1.2 seconds shy of the cutoff. Perry Mackinnon placed 31st with a time of 30:05.54.

Two other Orange athletes also advanced to the quarterfinals. Emanuel Joseph started the evening strong, finishing fourth in his heat of the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.91 seconds. This performance earned him a spot in the next round. Meanwhile, Xayvion Perkins secured his place by finishing third in his heat of the 400-meter hurdles, clocking in at 51.09 seconds.

Thursday’s events are being adjusted due to weather forecasts, with the women kicking off Syracuse’s competitions at 3 p.m. in the 1,500-meter run.

The significance of these accomplishments is notable in the context of track and field history at Syracuse, as the program has produced many talented athletes over the years. Lawler’s journey to the championships is a testament to persistence and hard work, motivating current and future athletes.

Moreover, according to a recent report by the NCAA, participation in outdoor track events has surged, with more athletes than ever attempting to qualify for the championships. This trend indicates a growing interest in track and field, highlighting the importance of supportive coaching and strong athletic programs like Syracuse’s.

As the competition continues, fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see how the Orange will perform in the upcoming challenges.



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