×

YSU’s Zallow runs for spot in NCAA finals

JFK grad in semifinal heat tonight

Not this time. Chad Zallow isn’t going to settle.

The Youngstown State University junior isn’t going to travel across the United States for this trip to Oregon to come up short yet again.

Ninth place. Not good enough.

Illinois’ David Kendziera is the leader in the clubhouse with a 13.40 regional time in the 110-meter hurdles.

Zallow knows he needed to finish top two in his heat — the third heat — or succumb to fate once again, just like last season. He comes in with a 13.75 he ran at the University of South Florida.

Cory Poole (Florida) 13.99, Matt Moore (Syracuse) 13.97, Daniel Roberts (Kentucky) 13.84, Trey Cunningham (Florida State) 13.66, Damion Thomas (LSU) 13.73, Aaron Lewis (Coppin State) 13.83.

A year ago, Zallow ran 13.58 last season in his heat, took third and just missed out on the finals.

Tonight, at 8:32 Eastern time, Zallow is in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships again at the University of Oregon. It’ll be on ESPN2.

“My main goal is to make it out,” Zallow said. “I know I’m in the fastest heat.”

Florida’s Grant Holloway is in Heat 1 with his 13.58, along with Texas’ John Burt (13.61). Alabama’s Ruebin Walters had 13.55 and is in Heat 2.

The top two from each heat and next two fastest times from the three heats advance to finals.

Zallow is taking nothing for granted. Nor should he.

“I feel really blessed right now,” he said. “It’s never easy to make it out to nationals, especially this year. It’s a very competitive year.”

The John F. Kennedy High School graduate wants to be seen in this year’s final. That’s what he’ll try to make happen tonight.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today