This year NCAA X Championships promises to be one of the most exciting in several years with no clear cut favorite. With returning champion Lawi Lalang you would think he would be a clear favorite; however, enter Kennedy Kithuka from WB an multiple NAIA Champion
Lawi Lalang (So) University of Arizona
5000m........13:08
defending NCAA X Champion
Kennedy Kithuka (Jr) Texas Tech
5000m........13:28
10000m.......28:18 won NAIA track title by over 1 minute
Stephen Sambu (Sr) University of Arizona
5000m........13:13.74
10000m.......27:28.64
It definitely will not be a Arizona two man race as after Kithuka's runaway conference win, Kennedy stated, "I will force the pace and see how I fare, maybe I'll win."
Kennedy sounded modest but from his interview you can tell he plans on a great battle in which he expects to come away with the NCAA X title.
WOMEN'S
Many people expect a three woman duel between true freshman Laura Hollander, 31:15 10000m woman Betsy Saina, and Abby D'Agostino.
Laura Hollander (Fr) Cal Poly
high school sub 4:49 miler & 10:10 2 mile
undefeated in collegiate xc and broke CR in every X meet san one, defeated Betsy Saina in Wisconsin
Betsy Saina (Sr) Iowa State
10000m........31:15 (track 2012)
only loss in XC this year is to Laura Hollander
Abby D'Agostino (Sr) Darmouth
5000m........15:19.98
NCAA 5000m Outdoor Champion
Which athletes make your TOP FIVE individuals (men & women)