BYU contingent faces stiff competition at US national track and field championships
Kenneth Rooks and Lexy Halladay lead a strong group of Eyestone training group members as they seek national titles amidst a field of elite American competitors.
A contingent of former and current Brigham Young University runners is competing at the USA national track and field championships in New York City from July 23 to 26. The event, held at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island, features a significant presence of athletes from the training group led by coach Ed Eyestone. Leading the charge are Kenneth Rooks and Lexy Halladay, both former BYU athletes who are attempting to defend their national titles in the steeplechase.
Rooks, the 2024 Olympic silver medalist, is seeking his fourth consecutive national title. His preparation has been marked by inconsistency, with finishes of sixth, 18th, and seventh in recent international races, and a best time of 8:28.54, which is well short of his Olympic final performance of 8:06.41. Eyestone noted that Rooks had been feeling off in May and June and has been dealing with sleep deprivation following the recent birth of his child. However, the coach highlighted a strong 2,000-metre time trial in early July as a sign that Rooks is rounding into shape at the right time.
Halladay, competing in her second year as a professional, is the second-fastest American in the steeplechase this season with a time of 9:13.33. Only Gabrielle Jennings has recorded a faster time, at 9:11.72. Halladay is aiming for her second national championship, building on her previous success in the event.
The BYU group includes several other notable competitors facing varied challenges. Olympic silver medalist Courtney Frerichs is switching to the 5,000 metres for this meet after a long recovery from a knee injury that kept her out of the 2024 Olympic trials. She recently completed her first steeplechase in three years, finishing fifth. Meanwhile, 2024 Olympic steeplechaser and 2025 NCAA champion James Corrigan is returning to fitness after being dogged by illness and injury earlier in the year. Corrigan finished fourth in a recent professional meet with a season-best time of 8:22.35, prompting Eyestone to predict a top-five finish.
Other members of the training group include NCAA champion Carter Cutting, who recently lowered his BYU school record in the mile to 3:34.34, and Olympian Courtney Wayment, who faces a tougher field than in previous years. While former BYU All-American Meghan Hunter has shown strong form in the 800 metres, she ranks ninth among Americans and faces increased competition. Freshman Jane Hedengren will not compete due to exhaustion and illness following a heavy race schedule at the NCAA outdoor championships.
