Rob McManus Shines at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Rob McManus Shines at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Rob McManus from Montana State University capped off an impressive senior season by reaching new heights at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. Hailing from Cashmere, Washington, McManus became the fourth Bobcat athlete to compete in three consecutive national meets, aiming for his first-ever finals appearance in the 3000m steeplechase.

Previously a two-time Second Team All-American, McManus finished 13th in 2024 and 16th in 2023. However, in 2025, he successfully advanced to the finals, marking a breakthrough moment for him. “This has been a goal of mine for a long time,” McManus expressed, highlighting his journey at national events. “I’ve had a lot of appearances at nationals, but I’ve always been a Second-Team All-American, so this was my first time making the final.”

In the semifinals, McManus secured fourth place in his heat and finished 11th overall with a time of 8:34.54, ensuring his spot in the finals. The heart-pounding finale saw him speed up to first place in his heat as he approached the last water barrier but unfortunately fell into the water after being tripped up. Despite the setback, he managed to rally back, claiming fourth place by the end of the race.

Reflecting on the fall, McManus admitted, “I think my immediate thought when I fell was, ‘Oh no, there’s people right behind me, everyone’s going to go by me, and I’m not going to make it.’ So I got up, and that adrenaline hit me.” Fortunately, he was in a position that allowed him to recover quickly.

After his semifinal performance, McManus received cheers from his teammates and coaches, to which he responded with a thumbs-up, showing his excitement. He ultimately finished eighth in the finals with a personal-best time of 8:25.83, earning First-Team All-American honors. This achievement also made him the fourth Bobcat to be recognized as a First Team All-American in the steeplechase, joining former teammate Duncan Hamilton, who was present at the event.

McManus’s presence at the finals marked the fifth consecutive year that MSU has had competitors in the men’s steeplechase finals at nationals, solidifying their reputation as “Steeple U” under head coach Lyle Weese. McManus expressed pride in being part of the program, saying, “I don’t think there are that many programs in the country that can say they consistently have guys make that final every year.”

Although McManus has completed his cross-country career, he will return to Montana State for his final year of eligibility in both indoor and outdoor track and field. Throughout his senior campaign, he claimed a third-place finish in the 3000m at the Big Sky Indoor Championships, placed 15th at his first NCAA Indoor Championships, and defended his Big Sky Outdoor title in the steeplechase. The personal-best time of 8:25.83 provides him with the confidence he needs heading into his last year as a Bobcat.

“Not everyone gets to end their season with a personal best, so that’s a great feeling to have that momentum,” concluded McManus, looking towards future goals. Montana State continues to raise the bar in track and field, and all eyes will be on McManus as he leads the charge in his last collegiate year.