University of South Alabama Athletics

09/21/05– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RONO NAMED RUNNER OF THE WEEK
CONTACT: Dwayne Gatlin

NEW ORLEANS - Junior Vincent Rono was named Sun Belt Conference Cross Country Runner of the Week by league officals today. Rono becomes the first Jaguar to earn the honor this season.

Rono won his first collegiate race at the 32nd Annual Azalea City Classic 5k, Saturday, Sept 17, on the campus of the University of South Alabama. In his first competition over 1500m, he ran away from the field that included All-American Tonny Okello and NCAA South Regional qualifier Harry Larubi, both of the University of South Alabama. Rono’s time of 14:11.48 was the fastest time ever run on the course as it is presently configured. Rono is a transfer from Bomei, Kenya. He represented Kenyatta University at the 2005 World University Games in Izmir, Turkey. At the Games, Rono won the bronze medal in the 1500m run.

The Jaguars next test will be at the Notre Dame Invitational on Sept 30. The men are scheduled to compete in the Elite division with powerhouse teams, including host Notre Dame, ranked fifth in 2004 and finished 11th at the NCAA Championships and defending Invitational champion Stanford University. The women will have a challenge as well, competing in the Gold division.