Meet Information
Race: NCAA National Indoor Track & Field ChampionshipsÂ
Location:Â Winston Salem, N.C.
Date:Â March 12, 2022
Today in Winston Salem,
Liam Galligan ran to a ninth place finish in the indoor one mile National Championship. A fast pace was established early by National Champion Aidan Ryan of Williams, who led wire to wire. Liam sat between sixth and ninth through the first three laps, and his splits were lining up with yesterdays' performance. Halfway through the race, he tried to make a pass and climb up a couple spots, but he got tangled up with a couple runners which resulted in Galligan hitting the ground. He fell into tenth, but did not quit. He put together a couple strong laps to climb back into ninth with a time of 4:14.29.Â
Everyone that watched the race was probably curious if there would be a protest put in by Galligan relating to the fall. After talking with Head Coach
Vince Oliver, we get he full story from after the race.Â
First, We'd like to congratulate all of those that qualified for this event. It's not easy. It takes constant training and loads of sacrifice. Liam's effort was nothing short of pure courage. To fall in a race and recover as he did shows the trueness of his athleticism and passion for racing. In every race there is the risk of what happened today. There's no shame or failure in it.Â
Liam was racing exactly as he was told too and was in the beginning phase of making his move to the front of the pack. He simply saw an opportunity and when he tried to shoot the opening, the guy in front of him made a move to tighten his position as well. Unfortunately, Liam got tangled up and went down. It's racing and it happen all of the time.Â
The NCAA told us we had a legitimate protest which might have gotten him in the All-American bracket but ultimately Liam said he didn't want it that way. That is Liam. He's worked hard for 5 years. His name and the Franciscan name means everything to him. He chose humility. He chose to remain humble and that is why he is a champion today in my eyes. It's more than just the status. I'm so proud of him and every single athlete associated with this Track family.Â
The Franciscan Track & Field teams were able to make it to Winston Salem to cheer on Liam on Saturday. As they will now travel further south to begin their outdoor season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this coming week. They will take part in the Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational on Friday and Saturday, as 40 schools from across the nation get together. Joining the Barons from the PAC will be the Titans of Westminster. This will be the first outdoor meet of the spring season, which hopefully will conclude with Galligan and other runners making the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Geneva, Ohio this May.
Stay ConnectedÂ
Be sure to follow Franciscan University onÂ
Instagram, Twitter, andÂ
Facebook for the most in-depth coverage of FUS athletics.Â
