1. Amos Sang (Abilene Christian) was the meet's top distance performer (especially with Jessica Pixler's no-show in the 800). After his surprise win in the 10,000 over defending champ Daniel Kirwa (Harding), he ran down a Prefontaine-esque effort by Michael Crouch (Queens) in the 5,000 with a Viren-esque response of his own. Crouch is to be lauded for his effort, ramping up the pace in the final mile, including 4:12 for the final four laps and a 57-second for the last lap. And yet Sang got him in the final 50. Sang is to be congratulated -- it turns out the ACU sports information department was right!
2. What Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team won the most individual men's titles? You'd be forgiven for guessing Adams State or Western State. But Colorado Mines took two titles home -- the 800 courtesy of Mark Husted and the 1,500 thanks to Mack McLain -- and in fine fashion. Husted desposed d2 half-mile king Anthony Luna (Metro State), his rival from across the Denver metro, and other conference foes. Mines still might not have the depth to compete against ASC or WSC in 'cross....but now that I've said that, I've set the stage for them to prove me wrong.
3. A national record is a big deal, even in an event without a long history like the women's steeple. But Alicia Nelson's effort not only won Adams State a national title, but the freshman's time puts her close to the top 10 for any collegian and the second-fastest D2er ever. (Add that to nation-leading Reuben Mwei, and you've got quite a pair of hurdlers in Alamosa.) Nelson is poised to be the "next" Pixler.
Other than some competitors at USATF nationals in Des Moines, that's a wrap on the outdoors season. Anyone ready for 'cross?
Future NCAA Championships Sites Selected for Division II
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