First-Year Eric Burns Torching Up Loyola Record Books

Steve Woltmann | Loyola AthleticsIn Division I men’s track and field, a 5-foot 8-inch first-year is making waves in the long jump. Leaping 24.6 feet, he matches up against power five competition despite his young age and mid-major school. His name is Eric Burns.

Burns, a New Carlisle, Indiana native, has burst onto the scene in the indoor season and looks to be the next great long jumper, not only at Loyola, but also in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).

His 24.6-foot jump at the John Tierney Classic ranks second in the MVC this season, trailing Wichita State’s Hunter Veith by 4.8 inches, and is the third-longest jump in Loyola history. Burns said he believes he can reach the 25-foot…