I don't think anyone is going to completely run away with the individual NCAA II title. But I do think Daniel Kirwa (Harding) will be the man to take the top spot.
The reigning outdoors 5,000 and 10,000 champ, the sophomore is unbeaten this season and owns a head-to-head win over Amos Sang of Abilene Christian, which came at Pre-Nats. He was sixth last year.
But Sang and a trio of Adams Staters won't be far behind.
Sang -- remarkably -- is the sole representative from the usually powerful Abilene Christian squad, fourth last year and winners in 2006 and 2007. In fact, an ACU runner has won the individual title in six times since 2000.
Aaron Braun (Adams State) is in his final collegiate cross country race. Seoncd last year, we all know the 3:39 performer has the wheels to pull it out in a close finish. (He's also the favorite, judging by the d2cross poll.)
Brian Medigovich (Adams State) is also a senior. He was a very impressive second at the Cowboy Jamboree, which saw Adams finish third among four NCAA I qualifying teams (Northern Arizona, William and Mary and Oklahoma State). He was less than three seconds behind Kirwa in the outdoors 10,000.
Reuben Mwei has been Adams State's top runner the majority of times this season. The steeplechase champ missed last year due to some sort of a mishap, so he could be extra motivated this year.
In addition to these five, Glarius Rop (American International) and Marko Cheseto (Alaska-Anchorage) could make a run at the title.
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