The Butler track and field team added two graduate transfers in Thomas Pitkin and Brendan Watkins, head coach Matt Roe announced on Monday, July 27. Pitkin and Watkins will be eligible to compete during the 2020-21 track and field season.
 
Thomas Pitkin
London, U.K. / Brunel University
Sprints/Hurdles
400m: 47.50
2019 Irish National U23 Champion 400-meters
2019 British Universities Runner-Up 400-meters
Represented Ireland at 2019 European U23 Track and Field Championships
First Class Degree Graduate (Business)
 
Roe on Pitkin: "Thomas is an elite student-athlete.  He graduated with a first degree honors from Brunel University and will be a quality addition to our outstanding MBA program.  On the track he is an accomplished long sprinter with versatility and potential.  Having competed at the European Championships he has experienced the elite atmosphere that will be beneficial to our sprints and hurdles group.   Thomas will have an immediate impact in the 400 meters and on relays.  He also has big upside as an immediate hurdler.   I am confident Thomas will continue his upward trajectory under the mentorship of coach Robby Burns."
 
Brendan Watkins
Olathe, Kan. / Missouri Southern State University
Jumps
Long Jump: 7.44m (24'5")
Triple Jump: 15.26m (50'0.75")
4x NCAA DII All-American
4x All-Conference 
MSSU National Honor Society 
Academic Honor Roll
 
Roe on Watkins: "Brendan is a great student who comes to us from an elite Division II program where he earned multiple All-American accolades.  We have had strong success the last few years in the jumps at the conference level.  Brendan will certainly help us continue to be a force in that area in the BIG EAST.  He also has explosive speed as a sprinter, so he could play a pivotal role on our 4x100 relay team.  Brendan is a great student who has competed at high level competitions.  I have no doubt that his experience will have a positive impact on of our team.  Our staff is excited to have a student-athlete of his caliber join our program."