Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Freshman Turns In Big Performance at Conference Meet
May 13, 2006 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
Watts, a freshman, showed the poise of an experienced veteran as he cruised to a fourth-place finish with a time of 30:36.60 in the event. The Cambridge, England, native was the only true freshman to finish in the top 10.
“Daniel is not your typical freshman,” said Cowboy assistant coach Dave Smith. “He is smart. He is poised. He is a tough runner that does not get shaken by things that would normally get to a freshman.”
“Being from England, he has run internationally and he has experience in big meets,” said Smith. “For him to come to the conference meet and score as a freshman is huge.”
Brent Vaughn of Colorado finished first in the event with a time of 30:28.17. Texas' Matt Munoz and Colorado's Chris Pannone rounded out the top three.
Alejandro Ruiz, a sophomore from Elgin, Texas, also represented the Pokes in the 10,000-meter run. Ruiz fell short of scoring by just 12 seconds as he finished 11th with a time of 31:18.59.
The Cowboys will continue action tomorrow as six OSU runners, led by senior Sean McCabe and junior Ryan Ripley, will compete in the 1,500-meter run. Ripley will try to become the fifth Cowboy this season to qualify for NCAA Regionals. That event is set to begin at 6:20 p.m.
