Tulane University
NCAA South Central Regional
Cross Country's Rotich Breaks School Record in First-Place Finish at NCAA South Central Regional
Nov 11, 2016 | Cross Country
Men's Results | Women's Results
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sophomore Emmanuel Rotich put on a performance for the ages on Friday morning at the University of Arkansas's Agri Park in the 2016 NCAA South Central Regional, leading Tulane's men's team to an 11th place finish, their highest regional finish since the 2001 season.
With his gold medal-winning performance, Rotich ensured his competition at next week's NCAA National Championship, breaking a school record along the way on his time of 29:58.9 in the 10K.
"I'm very proud of not only what Emmanuel did today, but the way he's been running all season long," director of track and field and cross country Eric Peterson said. "His qualifying for Nationals is a great opportunity for him as well as the program as a whole to be represented on that level. He did a great job today finishing in first to qualify, and the school record is just a bonus."
On the day, Rotich also earned All-Region honors alongside junior teammate Moses Aloiloi, who placed 15th on a time of 30:59.8
This year's first-place effort presents a large improvement over Rotich's 2015 run, when he placed 60th in the same race.
"I didn't believe it when I crossed the finish line," Rotich said. "I've moved up a lot since last year, but I didn't see this coming. We've been working very hard from the beginning, and this team has shown a wonderful progression. I'm thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to Nationals."
Rotich was one of three individuals this afternoon to qualify for the 2016 NCAA Championship race, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana. At the ISU Pre-National Invitational last month, Rotich placed first on this course in the 8K.
Tulane's women's team raced to a ninth-place overall finish, the Green Wave's highest finish at a regional meet since the 1990s. Juniors Emma Newton and Lauren Bartels led today's efforts in the 6K, placing 28th and 31st, respectively, in the field of 144 runners.
"The women ran the best team race that they've run all year," associate head cross country coach Michael Nussa said. "From top to bottom, everybody got better today, and we finished off the season with our highest ever regional finish. I'm glad we ended the season on a good note."
