Oklahoma State University Athletics
Kosgei Named Big 12 Performer of the Year
May 19, 2010 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
May 19, 2010
IRVING, Texas -- Oklahoma State senior John Kosgei was named the Big 12 Outstanding Performer of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday.
Competing in his first Big 12 Outdoor Championships past weekend, Kosgei won the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.
"We're really proud of John," OSU coach Dave Smith said. "He's been a great Cowboy, a great teammate and a great ambassador for OSU. Everything he does is for his teammates and he's being recognized for that now."
The Eldoret, Kenya, native won the 5,000 meters with a time of 14:05.90 and the 10,000 meters with a time of 29:24.21. In the process, he earned 20 of OSU's 47 points at the Big 12 Championships.
With Kosgei's honor, the Cowboys have claimed the men's outdoor Big 12 Outstanding Performer of the Year each of the past two seasons. German Fernandez was awarded the honor a year ago.
On May 11, Kosgei was named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team as well.
"Obviously, he's a very talented athlete," Smith said. "But he's an even better person and we couldn't be prouder of him."
Kosgei and the Cowboys return to action May 27 at the NCAA Outdoor Regional Championships in Austin, Texas. Kosgei is currently 10th on the NCAA West Outdoor Performance List for the 5,000 meters.
