The Tech women will be going to the XC nationals for the third straight time, which happens to coincide with the number of years that Sally Kipyego has been at Tech. If (when?) Sally wins, she will be the first woman to win the D-I national championship three years in a row. I certainly expect her to add another accolade to an already brilliant career.
In 2006, Sally won the meet and Irene Kimaiyo finished 9th and the Tech women finished 6th overall. However, in 2007, Sally won the meet and Irene finished 59th and suddenly the Tech women fell to 18th overall after coming in ranked #10.
This year, Tech comes in ranked #9. Irene Kimaiyo has graduated, but Lillian Badaru has picked up the mantle as the #2 runner and has actually improved on Irene's performance from last year. Asia Diaz is running at a MUCH higher level than the past three years and she will fight it out with Gladys Kipsang for the #3 and #4 spots for the Red Raiders. Michelle Guzman ran the race of her young career at conference, but faltered a bit at the regional meet. Chep Boit had a poor meet at conference, but countered with an excellent run at the regional meet. Addison Lemaster has improved all season into a very solid #6-#7 runner.
If Tech runs up to their true capabilities - all five of the top runners running at the top of their form, then this team slips into the top 5. I rather suspect that at least one person may be off a bit, which moves this team into the #8 to #12 range. I would love to see this team beat the 2006 team placing and finish #5 or higher, but that is truly a tall order. If I was betting on this race, I would probably say 9th or 10th.
In 2006, Sally won the meet and Irene Kimaiyo finished 9th and the Tech women finished 6th overall. However, in 2007, Sally won the meet and Irene finished 59th and suddenly the Tech women fell to 18th overall after coming in ranked #10.
This year, Tech comes in ranked #9. Irene Kimaiyo has graduated, but Lillian Badaru has picked up the mantle as the #2 runner and has actually improved on Irene's performance from last year. Asia Diaz is running at a MUCH higher level than the past three years and she will fight it out with Gladys Kipsang for the #3 and #4 spots for the Red Raiders. Michelle Guzman ran the race of her young career at conference, but faltered a bit at the regional meet. Chep Boit had a poor meet at conference, but countered with an excellent run at the regional meet. Addison Lemaster has improved all season into a very solid #6-#7 runner.
If Tech runs up to their true capabilities - all five of the top runners running at the top of their form, then this team slips into the top 5. I rather suspect that at least one person may be off a bit, which moves this team into the #8 to #12 range. I would love to see this team beat the 2006 team placing and finish #5 or higher, but that is truly a tall order. If I was betting on this race, I would probably say 9th or 10th.
