It's been more than a decade since an Arizona men's cross country runner has competed in the NCAA Championships, and UA was sure to make the most of it.
Saturday's event, in Columbia, Mo., was chock-full of firsts.
Under first-year head coach Andrew Dubs, Arizona sent Evans Tanui — in his first season as a Wildcat — to the championships, where he placed 44th overall in a field of 259 runners.
In his debut season as a Wildcat, freshman runner Evans Tanui placed 44th in the NCAA Championships, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
The freshman clocked a lifetime-best 29:10.3, UA said in a news release. He was one of just 10 freshmen nationallly to finish in the top 50.
Tanui, of Eldama Ravine, Kenya, earned an at-large berth from the NCAA West Regional, placing ninth overall with a time of 29:32.3.
"I am very excited to go to NCAA as freshmen because it is my first time to run a cross country season in my life and even a 10k," Tanui said earlier this week, ahead of the championships.
"This means a lot for our program," associate head coach Jay Koloseus said Saturday. "To have a true freshman who arrived late step in and perform this well on the spotlight shows our trajectory. I can't wait to come back here with more athletes in the future as we build the University of Arizona into a cross country juggernaut."
Added Tanui: "It has been a great season. I am satisfied for my season just starting at Arizona. I am excited to keep getting better and make my school more proud."
