The NCAA Cross Country Championships are set to take place in Tallahassee on Saturday the 20th of November, with a host of Australians looking to emulate Morgan McDonald’s historic win in 2018.
The collegiate system has previously produced some of Australia’s finest track and field athletes, as the current crop of US-based Australians seek invaluable experience as aspiring professional athletes whilst studying abroad.
Read about some of Australia’s prospects and find the full list of Australians competing at the NCAA Cross Country Championships:
Ky Robinson (Stanford)
If there’s one thing that makes a good cross country athlete, it’s grit – and Ky Robinson has it in spades. The 19-year-old Queenslander has burst onto the scene at the prestigious Stanford University, improving out of sight to become one of Australia’s brightest young prospects and a threat to his NCAA competitors.
In June of this year, Robinson shattered the Australian under 20 record in the 3000m steeplechase when running 8:32.01 to finish in sixth place of the NCAA final. It’s a strong form line that he has carried into the cross country season, where he looms as one of Australia’s greatest hopes of mixing it with the “big dogs” of the NCAA.
Robinson is only early in his collegiate career but a strong showing here would lay the foundations of a distinguished time in the NCAA, with his rapid improvement rate only aiding his title claims.
Zach Facioni (Wake Forrest)
A once prodigious junior, Zach Facioni’s move to Wake Forrest has seen him succeed as a quiet achiever – creeping his way up the NCAA ladder through a series of strong performances.
Historically a 1500m-5000m man, Facioni’s cross country prowess has demonstrated the strength and versatility he has developed under the Wake Forrest program – with the 22-year-old regularly stamping his presence on fields and pressuring his competitors. And with a 13:30.84 personal best over 5000m, why wouldn’t you?
Facioni is heavily invested in the success of his Wake Forrest team and will be looking to lead from the front with a gutsy showing at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Ed Goddard (Iona)
You would be forgiven for not knowing that Ed Goddard was eligible, or intending to, return to Iona University for the NCAA Cross Country Championships. But in the midst of a build for the Melbourne Marathon in December, Goddard flew to New York and popped up at regionals to qualify himself for tomorrow’s final.
Having clocked 1400km in the past seven weeks, the 24-year-old is certainly not short of preparation to mix it with some of the best athletes in the collegiate system. Set to return to Australia after the race for the NSW 10,000m championships and Melbourne Marathon, Goddard will undoubtedly be looking to make the most of his seemingly spontaneous voyage – which appears a free swing in the greater scheme of things.
The Sydneysider embraces chaos, and the NCAA Cross Country Championships has it in abundance.
Lauren Ryan (Florida State)
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