Mwei, Western State shine, as 5 d2ers dip under 9

Good stuff from Mount San Antonio College last night.

In the invitational race, Reuben Mwei dipped just under 8:40 in the steeple, putting him on form to win his third outdoors title in the event. (He also nabbed a school record in the process. Congrats!)

He may have to contend with Western State's Loren Ahonen, who finished 10 seconds back. Grand Valley State's Tyler Emmorey was a further seven seconds on arrears.

But the race for a national title won't come down to those three.

In the men's university/open race, Western State packed three guys under 9:02, led by Glen Watts (8:59). In the Olympic development race, Micah Chelimo (Alaska-Anchorage) ran an 8:49. Tim Guerin (Mass.-Lowell) might've had an off night (9:09). (Don't look now, but Simon Fraser put one under 9. They comin'!)

Mwei remains the prohibitive favorite in DurhamCharlotte. But Ahonen, Emmorey and Chelimo might surprise.