The Oklahoma State men’s cross country team led all Big 12 schools by placing five runners on the 2007 all-Big 12 team in addition to having the conference Newcomer of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Ryan Vail, David Chirchir, Sean Fleming, David Jankowski, and Matt-Barnes Smith all finished in the top 15 last Saturday at the Big 12 Championships, besting conference champion Colorado, who finished with four all-Big 12 runners. Chirchir was named 2007 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
“Having five guys finish in the top 15 is really a sign of a very deep and talented program,” said head coach Dave Smith. “The Big 12 has been the best conference for the last two or three years and we feel like with the talent we have coming back we’re finally at a level where we can compete with Colorado. The awards are really a tribute to the hard work that the guys have put in.”
For the Oklahoma State women, freshman Mihaela Susa capped off her outstanding first season in Stillwater by securing all-Big 12 recognition.
“To be named all-Big 12 is very good for a freshman,” said head coach Rene Sepulveda. “She handled the level of competition very well for her first year. After this, she can see what she can do. She said she wants to be in the top 10 next year. She has the ability to be a top-10 runner this year but I think she just used it as a learning experience. Now that she has the experiences under her belt, it will motivate her to be in the top ten next year.”