Gleason Runs Strong at Junior Nationals

RICHMOND, Va. - Susquehanna University distance runner Ryan Gleason (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop H.S.) finished sixth in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the 2001 USA Track & Field Junior Nationals at Sports Backers Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Gleason, who capped a strong freshman season by finishing second in the steeplechase at the 2001 Middle Atlantic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, posted a time of 9:34.32 to finish sixth in a field of nine runners - five of whom compete at Division I schools. Gleason was the lone Division III athlete to participate in the race.

Gleason's time at Junior Nationals was four seconds better than his school-record time of 9:38.36 that he posted at the MAC Championships. Kyle Wyatt of the University of Nebraska won the event with a time of 9:08.43.

Junior Nationals are open to all qualified athletes between the ages of 14 and 19. The 2001 event was the 29th edition of the meet and was sponsored by USA Track & Field