Rotich Runner-Up at NCAA Championships

March 11, 2006

Mile Results

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.Iowa State's David Rotich can add NCAA runner-up and All-American to his list of collegiate accomplishments. The senior competed in the mile run at the NCAA Track and Field Championships on Saturday and crossed the line in second place with a time of 4:13.12.

"He did an awesome job today," said men's head distance coach Corey Ihmels. "The race started out at a slow pace but he kicked it in during the last 800 meters. He just did a tremendous job today. We're so proud of his progress and competitiveness throughout the season."

Rotich was in ninth place after 800 meters and his split was 2:19.04. His 400-meter split was 52.9 and with 150 meters left to go, he was in fourth place and closed fast to earn a second-place finish.

When coach Ihmels was a Cyclone, he competed in the mile race at the NCAA Championships.

"I think it helped that Corey (Ihmels) had competed here and ran this race before," said men's head coach Steve Lynn. "His experience helped David and put him at ease. David ran with a lot of heart today. It was a lot of fun to watch."

Christian Smith of Kansas State University won the mile race with a time of 4:12.75.

Rotich went under the four-minute mark in the mile at the Cyclone National Qualifier and also broke two school records during the season.