Both teams out-perform their rankings in Madison
The Syracuse Orange cross-country teams completed the 2024 season with strong performances at the NCAA Championships in Madison.
Syracuse’s women entered the meet ranked 25th in the country, but surpassed expectations with a 20th place finish in Madison. Savannah Roark led the way in 101st place in 20:32 for the 6k race. Following Roark were Emma Eastman (106th place in 20:33), Rylie Lusk (115th in 20:37), Selma Anderson (154th in 20:49), Heidi Demeo (182nd in 21:02), Madeline Heintz (185th in 21:04) and Jayden Harberts (251st in 22:19). Syracuse moved up two places over the final kilometer- led by Anderson, who passed 25 runners in the final 1000 meters.
BYU won the women’s team title with Alabama’s Doris Lemngole the individual winner in a time of 19:21.
On the men’s side, the Orange entered ranked 17th, but finished 11th overall. Sam Lawler earned All-American honors by moving up 14 spots in the final kilometer as he ended up 28th overall in a time of 29:20 for 10k. Following Lawler were Assaf Harari (71st in 29:41), Alex Comerford (76th in 29:43), Benne Anderson (91st in 29:51), Connor Ackley (139th in 30:09), Ethan Wechsler (147th in 30:13) and Kamari Miller (247th in 31:50). The men picked up 40 places in the final kilometer and ended up just 5 points behind 10th place Notre Dame.
BYU also won the men’s team title while Harvard’s Graham Blanks defended his individual title in a time of 28:37.
Syracuse will now shift to indoor track with most athletes starting their season in January.