Hicks hold off Alabama’s Kiprop on home track in thrilling 10,000 finish, with Venters elevating to No. 6 competitor in collegiate history in women’s race, supported by Kemboi, Vestri and Kostarellis in NCAA all-time top 30; Loras’ Parker lowers her own Division 3 10,000 record, with John Carroll’s Phillip eclipsing men’s 5,000 mark
By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor
PALO ALTO, Calif. – Whether it was another career highlight for Stanford’s Charles Hicks or the emotions showcased following a powerful performance by Utah’s Emily Venters, the college and professional distance races Friday at the Stanford Invitational captivated the crowd at Cobb Track and Angell Field during one of the most memorable nights in the meet’s history.
Add a pair of anticipated debuts for Washington, as well as Division 3 records for Loras’ Kassie Parker and John Carroll’s Alex Phillip, along with a near third all-time mark by Ethan Gregg of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and the depth on display for the final six hours of the event was truly remarkable.
Venters became only the eighth female athlete in collegiate history to eclipse the 32-minute barrier in the 10,000 meters, and Hicks sent the Stanford faithful home happy with an impressive surge on the final straightaway to edge Alabama’s Victor Kiprop.
Venters elevated to No. 6 all-time with her 31:48.35 performance, covering the final 1,600 in 4:56.74 to lower her personal best by more than a minute.
The Utes’ All-American was moved to tears following the race when she reflected on her journey from a Kansas high school standout to Boise State to Colorado, before eventually joining the Utah program in 2021, overcoming injuries that sidelined her for multiple seasons along the way.
Venters produced the fastest collegiate effort since 2015, leading a group of 19 athletes to sub-33 marks in the top section.
Everlyn Kemboi of Utah Valley ascended to No. 10 in collegiate history by placing second in 32:03.30, punctuated by a 70.98 final lap.
Syracuse’s Amanda Vestri, who returned during indoor season to earn All-America honors after being sidelined with injuries for more than a year, elevated to the No. 16 all-time collegiate performer by taking third in 32:08.26.
Baylor’s Annamaria Kostarellis shined in her 10,000 debut by clocking 32:13.77, good for No. 26 in NCAA history.
Parker, who set the Division 3 record at last season’s Stanford Invitational, earned eighth in 32:36.22, lowering her…
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