Syracuse runner Justyn Knight will be the favorite at an NCAA championship event for the first time in his career on Friday night, as he looks to win the national title in the 5,000 meters.
Knight's season-best time of 13 minutes and 17.51 seconds in the event is more than 20 seconds faster than the next fastest runner in the event, Tulsa's Marc Scott. Knight is looking to become just the second individual champion in Syracuse running history, joining hurdler Jarret Eaton (2012 in the 60 meter indoor).
Knight has finished as a national title runner-up twice already this year, falling just short during both cross-country and the indoor season.