Watch Tobi Amusan and Emmanuel Korir Win NCAA Titles
History was made in Eugene, Oregon this past weekend for a pair of UTEP track stars. Sophomore Tobi Amusan and freshman Emmanuel Korir each won a national title at the NCAA Track and Field Championship. Amusan was able to lead for much of the 100-meter hurdle final and edge out fellow sophomore and defending champ Jasmine Camacho Quinn from the University of Kentucky to earn her first ever NCAA title with a time of 12.57.
"Amusan is another special talent. She executed her race very well and all the hard work she put in this season paid off," head coach Mika Laaksonen said. "This was her closest race yet and she stepped up to the challenge."
Meanwhile, Korir collided with fellow Miner teammate and freshman Michael Saruni, but he was still able to win the 800-meter finals on Friday. In addition to winning the outdoor championship, Korir also captured the 800-meter indoor title in March.
"It was very unfortunate that Michael went down in the 800m, it would’ve been a very exciting finish to see who would be the national champion had he not fallen," Laaksonen said after the race. "Emmanuel should feel very fortunate, Michael would have really challenged him at the end. He [Korir] is such a talented runner this may have been his last race for us."