YSU’S Zallow finishes third at national meet

March 12, 2017 at 12:07a.m.

By Charles grove

After winning his preliminary heat in the 60 hurdles Friday, Chad Zallow finished third overall in the final on Saturday in the NCAA Championships at College Station, Texas.

“I’m definitely happy coming away with third after missing the finals last year so my big goals this year were to make the finals and become an All-American,” Zallow said. “I would’ve liked to come away with the national title but coming away with those two things is a huge honor.”

Zallow ran a 7.65 in his preliminary win, but ran a 7.72 in the final.

Florida freshman Grant Holloway won the national title with a 7.58. Syracuse senior Freddie Crittenden III came in second with a 7.67.

The rest of the field was David Kendziera (Illinois) in fourth, Ruebin Walters (Alabama) in fith, Ashtyn Davis (California) in sixth, Nick Anderson (Kentucky) in seventh and Aaron Mallett (Iowa) coming in eighth.

Last year, Zallow missed the finals by .01 seconds, finishing ninth overall. This year, running in the finals was unlike anything he’s ever ran before.

“It’s definitely very different from anything I’ve ran,” Zallow said. “It’s a very different atmosphere. The stands are packed full and ESPN is there. It’s really fun to be out there in that type of environment.”

Youngstown State finished tied for 30th overall at the national meet. That’s YSU’s highest ranking in program history.

Fresh off the first time Zallow has been named first-team All-American, the sophomore is now focusing on the outdoor season after a bit of rest and relaxation.

“I’ll take a break for now and start working for the 110 hurdles for the outdoor season and work on longer distances,” Zallow said. “I have to get ready for that extra 50 meters.”