Villanova track & field: "Irish phenom" Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner joins the program

Months ago, there was speculation in Ireland that middle-distance star Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner might follow the college route of so many Irish track stars before her. Today, we can confirm that Cleirigh-Buttner has enrolled as a student for classes on the Main Line.

The young star has never been beaten in the Irish schools system, either on the track or in cross-country competition and is referred to as "the most important Irish recruit in decades." She wrapped up her sixth straight cross-country title in early March. You are reading that correctly - she's never been beaten.

Despite being just 18 years old, "the gigantic talent" is already recording world class times in the 800M - her personal best being 2:03.81 in the Irish Schools Championship back in 2013. She's already competed at the European Youth Olympics and World Juniors in this event, despite being 3 years younger than the older competitors. She's not quite there yet in the 1500M, where she needs to shave about 3 seconds off of her personal best of 4:22.37 to hit the standard A pace of 4:19.

Keep on eye on this future star, who looks like she will be the next torch bearer for the already dominant women's track & field program.