SU Track and Field Starts the Outdoor Season Strong in Raleigh

By Jordan Leonard

Syracuse Track and Field started its spring season with two separate meets in Raleigh and Tallahassee this weekend. The first action for the Orange came at the Raleigh Relays where the ‘Cuse long distance runners began their 2022 outdoor campaign. 

In the men’s competition senior Silas Derfel ran the 1500 m for the first time in his track and field career. Derfel, who typically  competes in the 5000m, contributed a solid debut running a time of 3:54:27, which was good for a 5th place finish in the section 1 final. Silas was the only male competitor for the ‘Cuse on Thursday.

The women had three runners in competition on Thursday, all of whom registered in the 10k event while only one finished the race. Sophomore Sophia Jacobs-Townsley did not end up competing in the 10k after being entered to race. Junior Ellie Lawler started the 10k event, however she was unable to finish the race after stopping at the 4800m mark. Lawler’s last 10k came back in 2021 at the ACC outdoor championships in which she set a personal record of 35:07:59. Freshman Emily Lane who was competing in her first collegiate outdoor race had a successful debut as she finished 5th in her section final with a time of 35:35:09. 

The Raleigh Relays continue later today with Syracuse runners competing in the men’s 10k and 3000m steeplechase as well as the women’s 1500m and 5k.