PHILADELPHIA, Pa.– Connecticut College’s All-American senior Michael LeDuc of Canton continues to climb new mountains. LeDuc won the College Men’s Championship in the 3,000 meter steeplechase Thursday night at the Penn Relays with a school-record time of 8:47.94 at historic Franklin Field.
Not only did LeDuc snap the school record he set a year ago when he won the NCAA Division III national title in the steeplechase (8:50.58) but on Thursday night, he turned in the third fastest time ever in NCAA Division III competition in the 3,000 steeplechase. He currently has the top time in the nation among Division III athletes.
“Mike’s legacy continues,” said Jim Butler, Connecticut College’s head coach in cross country and an associate head coach in track and field. “I told him earlier in the week he could do this. He took the lead with 1,200 meters to go. With the three laps remaining, he just decided to go. But he told me he still thinks he can run faster.”
LeDuc finished ahead of Isaac Spencer of Texas A&M, who was about six seconds behind in second place (8:53.92). Indiana’s Joshua Roche was third in 8:54.17. There were several runners from the Big Ten, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and other Division I leagues. In fact, LeDuc was the only Division III athlete among the top 16 runners in the race.
In recognition of the accomplishment, LeDuc was awarded with a commemorative gold watch.
LeDuc, a senior majoring in botany, has earned All-American honors eight times in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.
LeDuc has earned All-American status in the 3,000 steeplechase three times, including winning the NCAA Division III title last spring.
He finished third at the NCAA Division III indoor track championship meet in the 5,000 meters in February 2013. He won the NCAA Division III national champion in cross country in November and was 13th at the NCAA Division III cross country championship meet in 2012. The top 15 in cross country earn All-American status.
LeDuc graduated from Canton High in 2010 where he was an All-State athlete in cross country and track and field.
Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of The Collinsville Press. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the New England High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.


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2025 NCCC Winter Tournaments

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