Knepp Clinches Spot at World Junior Championships

EUGENE, Ore. – Redshirt freshman Luke Knepp clinched a spot at the World Junior Championships, qualifying for Team USA in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on Wednesday.

Knepp posted an 8:54.42, which is the fourth-best time at Iowa, and placed second overall.

The freshman from Bettendorf, Iowa, and Pleasant Valley High School redshirted during indoor and outdoor track season. Knepp competed in five races for the Hawkeyes during cross country season.

“This season has been about focusing on how to adapt to college life and college training,” Knepp said. “I’m fortunate to be at Iowa where we host plenty of competitive indoor meets. I was able to compete unattached while redshirting. I am grateful to have an outstanding coach and teammates that believe in me.”

Knepp rounds out a trio of Hawkeyes that climbed into the top-10 record books in the steeplechase at Iowa in 2024. Sophomore Hayden Kuhn ranks third in program history (8:50.99), while junior Yohana Yual holds the ninth-best mark at 9:02.33.

The World Junior Championships will be held in Lima, Peru, from August 27-31.