VESTAL, N.Y. – It's been 14 months since Jesse Garn competed in his last track & field race for Binghamton University. Like many of his classmates, he has been busy establishing his professional career.

That career, however, is also on the track and has gotten off to an impressive start.

Garn moved three hours east to Westchester County after graduation to begin his professional track career. He joined the New Jersey-New York Track Club and signed contracts with both Flynn Sports Management and the running company Hoka One One.

After blossoming at Binghamton under the coaching of Annette Acuff, Garn is now in just is ideal of a situation.

"I am now coached by the legendary Frank Gagliano ("Gags") and work with an unbelievable group of men and women," he said. "The system has been working for me thus far. In my first year with the club, I have run personal bests in the 800 and mile, clocking times of 1:45.04 and 3:57.23 respectively."

During the summer, there have been several notable meets for Garn.

"A big bench mark for me was advancing to the semi-finals of the USATF (USA Track & Field) Outdoor Championships this year in the 800," he said. "In addition, I competed internationally in Ireland and Belgium this summer. My season is coming to a close but I am looking forward to starting up again this fall and hopefully continue an upward trend of success."

Garn certainly had success at Binghamton. He graduated as a three-time United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association (USTFCCCA) All-American. The highlight of his career was a fourth-place finish in the 800 at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships. In addition, Garn was named the USTFCCCA Northeast Region Men's Track Athlete of the Year for the 2015 indoor season.

Although it has been over a year since his last college race, Garn remains more than grateful for how Acuff helped him develop during his career at Binghamton.

"I was extremely fortunate to have so many opportunities under Coach Acuff," he said. "She saw more potential in me than I could have realized on my own. Annette Acuff not only did her job as a coach but she truly served as a mentor for me every step of the way. We have kept in touch since concluding my time at Binghamton."

This past June, Garn and Acuff met up at the USATF Championships in Sacramento. While Garn ran in the 800, current redshirt freshman Dan Schaffer competed in the 5,000 in the Junior National Meet. Garn watched closely as Schaffer earned a bronze medal in that race.

"I actually met Dan years ago at a running camp in Lake Placid and he left a good impression from that point forward," he said. "Seeing him do so well in that race further affirms Coach Acuff's ability to develop talent. He is a genuine guy and an extremely tough competitor."

While he is busy with his own career, Garn will be keeping a close eye on Acuff, Schaffer and the rest of the Binghamton track and cross country teams this coming year.

"I do my best to stay up to date with the current cross country and track & field teams," he said. "Those programs are extremely talented and I still get fired up following the America East Championships every season. I am looking forward to following them this year."