Iowa Sophomore Breaks 5-Year-Old Program Record

Luke Knepp, a Pleasant Valley High School grad, set a new 3,000-meter steeplechase record at the Stanford Invitational.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a 3,000-meter steeplechase race.A cubist interpretation of a record-breaking collegiate track and field performance.Palo Alto Today

Iowa sophomore Luke Knepp, a former athlete at Pleasant Valley High School, broke a five-year-old program record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, California on Friday, April 3.

Why it matters

Knepp's record-breaking performance highlights the continued success of Pleasant Valley High School athletes at the collegiate level and demonstrates the strength of the school's track and field program.

The details

Knepp toppled the previous 3,000-meter steeplechase program record of 8 minutes, 24.56 seconds, which had stood since 2021. His new record time was not immediately available.

  • Knepp broke the record on Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, California.

The players

Luke Knepp

A sophomore at the University of Iowa and a former athlete at Pleasant Valley High School.

Pleasant Valley High School

A high school located in the Quad Cities area that has produced several successful collegiate track and field athletes.

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The takeaway

Knepp's record-breaking performance is a testament to the strength of the track and field program at Pleasant Valley High School and the continued success of its alumni at the collegiate level.