Posted: March 1, 2005

Athletics: Kosgei Named National Track Athlete of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After helping top-ranked Arkansas claim its 12th Southeastern Conference indoor championship by winning both the 3,000 and 5,000-meter runs, sophomore Peter Kosgei was named the United States Track Coaches Association (USTCA) Athlete of the Week. His outstanding performances racked up 20 points toward the team cause, resulting in a dominating 155 UA point total.

“Peter (Kosgei) had a terrific meet,” Arkansas head coach John McDonnell said. “After losing a guy like Alistair Cragg last year, Peter has stepped in and picked up where Alistair left off. To successfully double in those two events is special and he really gave a boost to our team.”

With his victories Kosgei became only the second athlete in league history to successfully double in the two events. The last athlete to accomplish that feat was former UA distance star, Alistair Cragg, in 2004 at Lexington, Ky.

On the first day of competition Kosgei guaranteed himself a spot at the national championships when he registered a new 3,000-meter auto time of 7:56.00. He came back the next day to take the tape in the 5,000 meters with a time of 13:53.85.

Kosgei will plan on running in both races at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 11-12, at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. When he and his Razorback teammates take to the track they will look to capture Arkansas 40th NCAA title.