Men's Outdoor Track and Field UNCG Media Relations

Chelimo Posts Runner-up Finish at NCAA Championships

DES MOINES, Iowa - UNCG's Paul Chelimo became the first Spartan track athlete ever to earn first-team All-America honors during the outdoor season with a national runner-up finish on day three of the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Drake Stadium on Friday.

The sophomore capped off a tremendous season with a second-place finish in the 5,000 meters, running a time of 13:41.04, less than one second out of first place. Cameron Levins of Southern Utah took the crown in the event, crossing the line 13:40.05.

Levins also won the national title in Wednesday's 10,000 meters, a race that saw UNCG's Paul Katam finish ninth to earn second-team All-America accolades.

"This weekend was awesome," UNCG coach Linh Nguyen said. "We had two sophomores running in their first outdoor championship meet, and we walked away with two All-American performances. It really puts us on the map nationally."

Chelimo was also named an All-American at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March after placing fourth in the 3,000 meters and took All-America honors during cross country season in the fall.

"I'm happy with my performance," said Chelimo. "The race today was great for me. Second place is my best finish in a national race so far. I hope to build on that next year."

Chelimo and Katam were UNCG's first-ever representatives at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

AGATE
Men's results:
5,000m: 2. Paul Chelimo, 13:41.04