FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There are times Galen Rupp looks as if he’s toying with opponents.
After running patiently next to two other leaders in the 10,000 meters Thursday night, Rupp pulled away with a devastating finish to win the national title. He also gave Oregon 10 crucial points in its pursuit of the team title at the NCAA track and field championships.
“I just sat back and tried to bide my time,” Rupp said. “And when it was time to go, I made my move.”
Rupp has been making it look easy throughout his senior season. He’s also won individual national titles in cross country and the indoor 3,000 and 5,000.
His grueling three-race program this week began in the wee hours Thursday morning, after his 5,000 semifinal was delayed by lightning. His qualifying heat ended about 1 a.m.
Despite having less than 24 hours between races, he had plenty of energy left for the 10,000. Arkansas’ Shawn Forrest and Liberty’s Sam Chelanga set the pace early, but Rupp caught them, then left them behind with about 600 meters to go.
“I knew he would respond,” Forrest said. “It was no surprise. I chased as hard as I could.”
Texas A&M’s Porscha Lucas qualified in the women’s 200 with a semifinal time of 22.38, the second-fastest time in the world this year.
The first title of the meet was awarded to Florida’s Mariam Kevkhishvili in the shot put. She won with a mark of 58 feet, 4 1/2 inches.
Kimberly Williams of Florida State won the women’s long jump at 21-5 1/2. Ngonidzashe Makusha of FSU took the men’s long jump at 26-7 1/4.
