WASHINGTON – In his third finals appearance in four years, Georgetown University's
Parker Stokes won the men's steeplechase title at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field. The All-American becomes just the second Hoya to win the men's steeplechase national championship in program history. The title comes on the third of the four-day championship held in Eugene, Oregon through Saturday, June 8. Earning 10 points, the Georgetown men finished tied for 32nd of 71 teams to score points at the meet.
ON THE RECORD
"What a great day to be a Hoya!
Parker Stokes has represented our program with integrity and class for the last five years. To top it off with a national championship is beyond gratifying for our program and the institution. The third time is a charm – so proud to see him pull through for the win in his third steeplechase championship appearance. Major kudos to Coach Bonsey for preparing him for this moment – a first since 1997 a male has won an individual NCAA title. We're excited to see Parker use this tremendous performance to carry him to the U.S. Olympic Trials in the coming weeks." – Director of Track & Field / Cross Country
Alton McKenzie
"That was an incredible moment. I knew Parker was ready to do that but it's a totally different thing seeing it happen. He's been bought in for five years and to see him end his career with a win is amazing. Sharing this moment with him and his parents was so special for me. He still has work to do at the U.S. Olympic Trials but I hope he has a moment to celebrate." - Assistant Track & Field / Head Women's Cross Country Coach
Brandon Bonsey
WATCH ON SOCIAL
FOLLOW THE HOYAS
- The four-day championship will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks with ESPN2 providing coverage Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday's action available on ESPN.
- Live results can be found on the schedule on GUHoyas.com.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In a race that was executed incredibly well by a seasoned veteran, Stokes stayed toward the front through the first half of the race. As the field started to push and battle for position, Stokes stayed steady and made sure to hold his position among the top six.
- As the race closed, UVA's Nathan Mountain made a move to take over the lead. With two laps to go, Stokes picked up his pace and had the fastest split on the penultimate lap, splitting 1:04.35 to move up to second place.
- Stokes continued to hold on the bell lap and coming off the water jump, Stokes had a strong landing and took advantage of Mountain's rough landing to put himself in position for a big kick.
- Coming off the final turn, Stokes took the lead before the final barrier and held on through the finish line, clocking 8:24.58, a season best for the graduate student, to win the event.
OF NOTE
- Stokes becomes just the second Hoya to win the NCAA steeplechase title, joining Joe Lucas who captured the title in 1972.
- It is the 15th NCAA event title on the men's side and the 23rd overall individual title in program history for both the men and women.
- Stokes wins the first event title for the Hoyas since the Georgetown women won the 2016 women's distance medley relay title.
- With 10 points, Georgetown was the top school from the BIG EAST Conference. Villanova finished tied for 52nd with four points, followed by Butler (T66th, 1 point) and UConn (no team score).
2024 NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 8, 2024 (ESPN coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. ET)
5:41 p.m. ET - Women's 1,500m Finals (
Melissa Riggins)
7:25 p.m. ET - Women's 5,000m Finals (
Chloe Scrimgeour)
