LaMere wins second cross country national championship in a row
Ian LaMere met expectations as he headed into the NCAA Division III National Championship as the heavy favorite after winning last year’s championship in record fashion. The race was run under windy conditions that saw temperature in the low 40s at E.P “Tom” Sawyer State Park.
Louisville, Ky. – Ian LaMere met expectations as he headed into the NCAA Division III National Championship as the heavy favorite after winning last year's championship in record fashion. The race was run under windy conditions that saw temperature in the low 40s at E.P "Tom" Sawyer State Park.
The defending national champion ran with confidence as he was challenged early on. LaMere pulled away soon after the one-mile mark and set a grueling pace as he strained to get ahead and build on his lead.
LaMere pulled away to a 10-second lead soon after the 2-mile and 20-second lead after the 3-mile. He didn't let off the pace and continued to press to a 29-second lead at the finish.
LaMere crossed the finish in 23:40.4, the second fastest winning time in Championship history. After running 23:35.4 at last year's championship, he ends his collegiate cross country career having the two fastest winning times in championship history.
This is LaMere's fifth individual national title after having won three track individual titles (2015 outdoor 10K; 2016 outdoor 10K and 5K). LaMere is looking to add to this number during his final indoor and outdoor seasons this spring.
Senior men's captain Matt Wubben and senior women's captain Chelsey Heiden also competed at this year's championships. Wubben crossed the finish in 55th place with a time of 25:10.0, the second fastest race in his career. This was his first time participating at a national championship.
Also as a first time national qualifier, Heiden capped her cross country career with a personal best 21:43.8 for the 6 kilometer course. She crossed the finish in 66th place.
