A perfect plan: BYU steeplechaser's strategy results in NCAA title

SACRAMENTO — After running in the back of the pack for much of the race, BYU's Josh McAdams charged into the lead with more than a lap go and pulled away to win the 3,000-meter steeplechase Saturday afternoon at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

McAdams, a senior who finished ninth in last year's race after falling over the final barrier, again faltered over the final barrier after appearing to twist his ankle, but this time he maintained his balance and was able to resume his sprint for the finish.

He finished with a time of 8:34.10, leaving him well ahead of defending champion Mircea Bogdan of UTEP (8:35.35) and Aaron Aguayo of Arizona State (8:35.78).

"Josh was incredible," said BYU distance coach Ed Eyestone, who was the last BYU distance runner to win a national title, in 1985. "He had a plan and executed it well."

McAdams' plan was to run from behind to avoid the pushing that can occur in the pack and to allow him a better look at the hurdles. McAdams and Aguayo made a big move with two laps to go, with Aguayo leading. With 500 meters to go, McAdams sprinted into the lead and was never challenged the rest of the race.

"Everyone was holding his breath when Josh went over that last barrier," Eyestone said.

McAdams' performance came on the heels of a brilliant performance by teammate Chris Carter, a true freshman who placed third in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles with a time of 49.19. Carter competed for Roy High last year and won the state title in the 300 hurdles. He has adapted quickly to the longer collegiate race and has made his mark in relays, as well. During one late-season meet he ran a 44.8 split in the 4 x 400-meter relay.

Running from Lane 7 in Saturday's NCAA finals, Carter took the pace out hard and was in a virtual tie with Michael Tinsley of Jackson State and Bryan Steele of Long Island coming out of the final turn. Tinsley pulled away to win the race in 48.25 and Steele was second in 49.02 to edge Carter, the only freshman in the race.

"I guess I was a surprise for third place," Carter said. "I knew I could run with them. The first and second day (trials and semifinals) showed me that."

Carter's and McAdams' efforts came one day after teammate Robbie Pratt finished second in the pole vault and true freshman Amy Fowler placed seventh in the women's steeplechase with a time of 10:08.12.

For Carter, it will be his final collegiate race for a couple of years. He will serve an LDS Church mission in Toronto, Canada, beginning Sept. 6. He will compete in the junior (19 and under) national meet in Indianapolis in two weeks.