Oklahoma State University Athletics
Geberkidane Places Second at International Event
January 10, 2015 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
EDINBURGH, Scotland - Oklahoma State cross country standout Cerake Geberkidane finished second in the men's junior race at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country Meet Saturday, helping Team USA win its first overall team title at the event.
Geberkidane, a freshman in his first season of collegiate competition, completed the 6K course in 20:07, besting several of the world's elite junior athletes. His second-place effort marked the first of five Americans finishing in the top six, helping Team USA win the junior competition on the way to an overall team title with 121 points.
Oklahoma State was also represented through the efforts of Dave Smith, who served as one of two American coaches. Smith also guided Team USA to team titles in the women's junior competition and the men's senior race.
The meet's overall winner is scored by combining the results of the men's and women's junior and senior races. With the help of Geberkidane and Coach Smith, the United States took home that title for the first time in the five-year history of the event.
“I am really impressed by the way Cerake ran and how he represented the U.S. and Oklahoma State University,” Smith said. “He was aggressive and maybe a little too excited at the start, but still managed to hang on for second place in very difficult conditions. The entire U.S. contingent ran well today and I am just proud to be affiliated with such a great group of athletes.”
Geberkidane suited up three times for the Cowboys last fall, making appearances at the Big 12 Championships, NCAA Midwest Regional and the NCAA Championships. The Denver, Colo., native took 11th at the conference meet, earning the first All-Big 12 honor of his career. Geberkidane also competed at last season's Cowboy Jamboree as an unattached runner.
2015 Great Edinburgh International Cross Country
Jan. 10, 2015 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Holyrood Park
Overall Team Results
USA – 121
Europe – 189
Great Britain - 223
Junior Men's Team Challenge (6K)
2. Cerake Geberkidane – 20:07
