Edward Cheserek’13 Makes NCAA History

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Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

Edward Cheserek’13 crossing the line in the 5000-meter run to earn his 16th NCAA title

Othman Muhammad, Online Editor

Former Gray Bee Track runner Edward Cheserek’13 set a National Collegiate Athletic Association record in Track and Field by earning his sixteenth NCAA title the weekend of March 10-11.

Edward emerged victorious in the 5000-meter run. When the gun sounded, Edward was in eighth and was leading the chase pack. However, 1400-meters into the race, Edward cruised his way to the race’s leaders. With 600-meters left, he positioned himself in first, and in the last 400-meters he outkicked his competition and ran 13 minutes and 41 seconds to earn his sixteenth NCAA title. Edward now holds the most NCAA titles ever in Track and Field.

To further solidify his legacy, Edward earned another NCAA title in the 3000-meter run. Despite having only two hours of recovery, he bounced back from a second place finish in the mile by defeating a star-studded field.

In the beginning, Edward maintained third place, but with 800-meters left, he decided to take the lead and push the pace. The last 200-meters were an all out sprint between Edward and Syracuse University runner Justyn Knight. It was anyone’s race until Edward broke away from Justyn with 100-meters left in the race. Edward earned his 17th NCAA title with a winning time of 7:46.85.