Oklahoma State University Athletics
Nowak, Vail Earn Top 25 Finishes At World Championships
March 24, 2013 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
March 24, 2013
BYDGOSZCZ, Poland. -
Cowboy alum Ryan Vail finished 17th in the men's senior division and OSU freshman Craig nowak took 24th in the men's junior division in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Sunday.
Vail was instrumental to the men's senior team finishing in second place, beating Kenya, and Nowak's finish helped the juniors grab fourth place as a team. It was the first time the senior team had earned a medal and finished ahead of Kenya since 1984.
"This was a big deal today," OSU Coach Dave Smith said. "Getting a medal of any kind is fantastic and hasn't happened in almost 30 years, but to get the silver and beat Kenya was unbelievable. The junior men were also incredible getting fourth."
The races took place amid tough conditions, but the snow didn't stop Vail and Nowak from posting solid times. Vail's time of 33:42 was third among the Americans in his division, and Nowak's mark of 23:03 was second among Americans in his division.
"The conditions and the course were as tough as I have ever seen," Smith said. "In races like that, those who are the toughest mentally succeed. Both Ryan and Craig are that type of athlete and they were on their game today. Both of these guys are great ambassadors for our program and bring a lot of positive attention to what we are doing."
Finishing in the top 25 is a difficult task in either division. This was Vail's highest finish at the event, and the first time he has cracked the top 30 in four tries.
"The only other OSU runner to finish in the top 30 that I know of was German Fernandez," Smith said. "I think Craig and Ryan ran absolutely fantastic races today. I am just thrilled for both of them."
IAAF World Cross Country Championships
March 24/ Myslecinek Park/ Bydgoszcz, Poland
Individual Results
Men's Senior 12k
17. Ryan Vail - 33:42
Men's Junior 8k
24. Craig nowak - 23:03
