Smeeton Podiums in Steeplechase Final

June 11, 2021 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track, Cowgirl Cross Country & Track

EUGENE, Ore. – Ryan Smeeton raced his way to the second-consecutive outdoor track and field All-American honors of his career after a third-place finish in the 3,000 meter steeplechase final in the third day of competition from the 2021 NCAA DI Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

In the final competition of his third outdoor season with the Cowboys, the 2019 All-American ran a technically sound race, just as he has throughout the season to qualify him for the steeple finale.

Sticking well in the lead pack, Smeeton weaved out when necessary and right back in to advance forward. The Canadian senior never fell lower than fifth place for all seven-and-a-half laps.

Heading into the final 400 meters, Smeeton sat comfortably in third with plenty left in the tank as he began to methodically climb his way forward. Going through the last water leap, he recovered quickly and got right back to a competitive pace. Coming up on the final obstacle, Smeeton took a tumble that majorly disrupted any progress he had made for the front position.

Quick to his feet, Smeeton finished the race and clocked a season best 8:30.70. The misfortune of the season's final race will not stain the resume of the the two-time outdoor All-American. He has one year of eligibility left in both cross country and outdoor track and field competition and is poised to cement his legacy as an OSU all-timer.

As the NCAA DI Outdoor Track and Field Championships come to a close with the final day of women's competition slated for tomorrow, June 12, Oklahoma State will be represented by first-year outdoor competitor Gabby Hentemann, the No. 18 ranked female 5,000 meter runner in this year's championship.

Hentemann will take to the track for the distance showdown at 6:55 p.m. CT to end OSU's weekend in Eugene, Oregon and bring to a close Oklahoma State's 2020-21 athletic year.

Men's Individual Results

3,000 Meter Steeplechase (Semifinal)
3. Ryan Smeeton - 8:31.75

400 Meters (Semifinal)
22. Ashton Hicks - 47.47

10,000 Meters (Final)
10. Isai Rodriguez - 27:52.92
22. Victor Shitsama - 29:32.28

3,000 Meter Steeplechase
3. Ryan Smeeton - 8:30.70

Women's Individual Results

400 Meters (Semifinal)
13. Aaliyah Birmingham - 52.18

800 Meters (Semifinal)
12. Kaytlyn Larson - 2:04.29
17. Stephanie Moss - 2:05.95
18. Sivan Auerbach - 2:06.27

4x400 Meter Relay (Semifinal)
14. Oklahoma State - 3:36.76
(A. Birmingham, K. Ali, N. Dixon, C. Ollison)