2 weeks Ago
PHILADELPHIA- Rutgers’ Bryce Tucker, one of the most accomplished hurdlers in New Jersey high school track history, showcased his talent in the college 400-hurdles championship, securing a third-place finish. Tucker won his heat in 50.79, ultimately finishing behind Virgina’s Alex Sherman (50.
77) and Pitt’s Devin Nugent (50.36). “It felt like the usual, just had to come out and execute”, said Tucker afterwards.
“Going into the race, I wasn’t really worried about winning, you know, everybody gets hyped because it’s a big meet, but I just wanted to execute, it’s my third race of the season, just execute, run a good race, get back into the 50’s and that really what it did”. “Now I take a deep breath, relax a bit, go back to practicing and getting back in the lab, but one thing I will say I’ve been really working on is rhythm, so getting into the hurdles clean, getting over them clean and just overall running a good race,” he added. Tucker’s high school achievements are remarkable: He is a three-time state champion and Meet of Champions winner in the event, and he also holds a state title in the 110-hurdles.
His PR of 50.96 from his final Meet of Champions victory is the fifth-fastest time in state history. Additionally, Tucker won the 400-hurdles title for Team USA at the U20 Pan American Championships in 2023.
Tucker’s success seamlessly transitioned to the collegiate level. He captured the 2024 Big Ten title in the 400-hurdles, recording the second-fastest time in Rutgers history with a 50.61 PR.
His victory earned him First Team All-Big Ten honors, and also made him the first Rutgers runner to win the title. “Stay on the ground and just keep my head down,” said Tucker on his mindset to get repeat. “Everyone’s gonna think that I have the target on my back, so they’re gonna be coming after me, but I definitely just have to come back stronger and get my back-to-back win”.
The Garden State had strong representation in the race beyond Tucker, who made a point to acknowledge his former high school competitors and current college rivals. “Of course!”, said Tucker on if he keeps up with what his fellow N.J.
runners are doing on their respective college teams. “You got Pre [Premier Wynn], my former teammate, He ran 50.2 or 50.
4, so he’s about come out here tomorrow and run the 4x400, hopefully, you know, we both make the Championship of America”. “Lathan Brown, he ran at Deptford and now we’re teammates, he had a little choppy race today, but he’s going to get it back” he added. “Ryan Matulonis, he goes to Penn and wasn’t in the hurdles, but him and his teammate Alex Sadikov are in the 4x400, so, you know, definitely want to give a big shout out to them, always have to represent, those are still my guys, so I have to give them some love”.
RESULTS Bakari Tice can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him on X at @BakariTice .
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