Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame
Roche earned international acclaim in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. A member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic team in Montreal, he also earned All-American honors in his specialty in 1975 with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Roche was also the IC4A 3,000 meter steeplechase titlist in meet record time of 8:41.0 in 1975. His personal best time was 8:40.0 (all-time best 8:30) The holder of several school marks, Roche was the first Scarlet track and field team member to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Winner of both the most improved and the most valuable performer awards in both cross country and track, he was ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. with third being his highest position.
