UAlbany's John Moore Finishes Second in 800-Meter Run at USA Junior Outdoor Championships

Indianapolis, Ind. – University at Albany’s John Moore placed second in the 800-meter run final at the 2007 Finish Line USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Friday, June 22 at Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on the campus of IUPUI.

Moore, a 19-year-old who just completed his freshman year, came from off the pace to finish behind champion Cory Primm, a senior from Westlake High School in California. Primm, who won last week’s Nike Outdoor national prep title and will attend UCLA this fall, posted a time of 1:49.76, while Moore hit the tape in 1:50.50. Iowa’s Adam Hairston was third in 1:50.98. The junior national competition, with athletes ranging from 14 to 19 years-old, is the qualifying meet for the 2007 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships. Moore will serve as a first alternate for the United States at the Pan American Games, scheduled for July 6-8 in San Paulo, Brazil.

“The pace slowed down in the second 200 meters and I got caught in traffic,” said Moore, who ran the fastest time in qualifying on Thursday with a season-best 1:50.21. “I knew I had a strong kick in me, so I just moved out on the backstretch and set my eyes on the lead guy. I am happy with second place, but not satisfied. I gained confidence through my practice sessions, now I have to keep building upon that.”

Moore, the Section II record holder at 800 meters, captured the 2006 New York State Division II Boys’ state title. He was second in the 800m at both the 2007 America East Conference indoor and outdoor championships.

UAlbany’s Luke Schoen, a freshman from Bohemia, N.Y., tied for ninth in the USA Junior men’s pole vault with a mark of 15-feet, 11-inches. Kansas’ Jordan Scott, the Big 12 Conference indoor and outdoor champion, won the competition by clearing the bar at 18-1.25.

Moore’s performance matched the best finish by a UAlbany athlete at USA Junior Nationals. Joe Greene was second in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles one year ago. UAlbany has produced six junior All-Americans, including Moore, Greene, Alyssa Lotmore, Ryan Gaedje, Jessica Ortman, and Jenna Ortman, since 2004.