UTEP’s Michael Saruni claims bronze in 800m final at NCAAs

UTEP track star Michael Saruni led late in the men’s 800m final at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, but he ran out of steam on the home stretch, finishing in third place.

“Sometimes your best is not enough, and today was one of those days for Saruni,” said head coach Mika Laaksonen. “He is young and unbelievably talented, so he will learn from this.”

UTEP’s Jonah Koech also took part in the 800m final, finishing in sixth place.

“Jonah ran his best 800m and gained plenty of confidence from today’s race. We are so proud of these guys,” said Laaksonen.

Saruni was hoping to make amends after a disappointing 800-meter final in 2017. In that race, his legs became tangled up with UTEP teammate Emmanuel Korir. Saruni went down on the track while Korir went on to claim the national championship.

Isaiah Harris of Penn State won this year’s 800m final with a strong kick in the final 15 meters.

Saruni remains the NCAA record holder in this event.

Also of note, former Burges track and field standout KeAndre Bates claimed a bronze medal in the triple jump Friday night for the University of Florida.