Loyola Senior Breaks Steeplechase Record After Last-Minute Decision

Connor Meigs turned a casual joke into a record-breaking performance, proving that sometimes the best opportunities come from taking a chance.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and obstacles of a steeplechase race, rendered in the official navy blue and gold colors of Loyola University New Orleans.A Loyola University New Orleans senior athlete's unexpected rise to the top of the steeplechase event showcases the power of taking a chance and committing to hard work.New Orleans Today

At Loyola University New Orleans, senior athlete Connor Meigs turned a last-minute decision to try the steeplechase event into a record-breaking performance. Meigs, who had previously focused on more traditional distance races, decided to give the steeplechase a try as a joke at the end of the previous season. Despite the short turnaround, he exceeded expectations and found a genuine love for the event, which combines distance running with barriers and water jumps. Meigs then committed himself to the steeplechase, putting in months of intense physical and mental preparation to become one of the top runners in the event.

Why it matters

The steeplechase is considered one of the most physically and technically demanding events in track and field, requiring athletes to think as well as run. Meigs' journey from a casual joke to a record-breaking performance shows the power of taking a chance on an unexpected opportunity and the rewards that can come from dedicated hard work and perseverance.

The details

Meigs had not originally planned to compete in the steeplechase, focusing instead on more traditional distance races during his first two years on the Loyola track team. But at the end of the previous season, he jokingly asked his coach if he could try the steeplechase, and with little preparation, he exceeded expectations by placing fifth in the event. Meigs then committed himself fully to the steeplechase for his senior season, putting in months of intense physical and mental training to become one of the top runners in the event.

  • At the end of the previous season, Meigs asked his coach about trying the steeplechase as a joke.
  • Meigs placed fifth in the steeplechase event at the conference meet with little preparation.
  • Coming into his senior season, Meigs approached the steeplechase with a new, more serious mindset.

The players

Connor Meigs

A senior athlete at Loyola University New Orleans who turned a last-minute decision to try the steeplechase event into a record-breaking performance.

Jace Lukowski

A fellow runner on the Loyola track team who Meigs credits as being 'a monster' and inspiring him with his relentless effort.

Meigs' coach

The Loyola track coach who gave Meigs the opportunity to try the steeplechase, even though it was a last-minute decision.

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What they’re saying

“I actually didn't do it until last year. I'd done track for two years before trying that event.”

— Connor Meigs, Loyola University New Orleans senior athlete

“At the very end of the season before a conference meet, I asked my coach kind of as a joke, 'What if I did the steeplechase?' And he was like, 'You know, you could.'”

— Connor Meigs, Loyola University New Orleans senior athlete

“It was really fun. It was very different.”

— Connor Meigs, Loyola University New Orleans senior athlete

“Every other event is just like you run as hard as you can until you're done. But there's actually a level where you feel like you can get better at it without just having to run.”

— Connor Meigs, Loyola University New Orleans senior athlete

“It's hard. It really is just hard. There's so many points in a race where it just hurts bad and you're just like, 'This sucks.'”

— Connor Meigs, Loyola University New Orleans senior athlete

What’s next

Meigs will look to defend his steeplechase record at the upcoming conference championships, where he hopes to qualify for the NCAA Division III national meet.

The takeaway

Meigs' journey from a casual joke to a record-breaking performance in the steeplechase demonstrates the power of taking a chance on an unexpected opportunity and the rewards that can come from dedicated hard work and perseverance, even in one of the most demanding events in track and field.