National champ Eddie Owens placed second at the Pan Am Junior Championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase Sunday at the Ansin Sports Complex in Mirmar, Fla. Owens, a recent graduate of Packer Collegiate in Brooklyn, crossed the line in 9:07.11.
Fernando Roman of Puerto Rico claimed the gold in 8:59.52. Owens, who will compete at Princeton, posted the third-fastest performance in New York State history this spring when he clocked 8:59.53 at the Larry Ellis Memorial Invitatational in April. Only Owens, John Gregorek of St. Anthony's (8:56.9 in 1978) and Jim Shields of Chaminade (8:52.6 in 1976) have broken the 9-minute barrier for the 3,000 steeplechase.
