Hamilton College's Peter Kosgei '10 (Kapsabet, Kenya/Kapsabet Boys' HS) finished first in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the NCAA Division III outdoor track and field championships held at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium on May 25.
Kosgei smashed his own school record by more than 14 seconds with a time of 8:55.41. His performance also set a facility record. Kosgei finished more than five seconds ahead of his closest competitor as he blew away the field of 17 runners. His time is the fastest in Division III this year.
The top eight finishers earned All-America honors. Kosgei's victory makes him the first Hamilton men's track and field All-American since Tom Carr III in 1971. Kosgei also finished first in the steeplechase at the Liberty League, New England Small College Athletic Conference and New York State championships this spring.
Kosgei is the College's fourth national champion in the last six years. Maggie Hanson '02 won an NCAA indoor title in the 5,000 meters in 2001. Mike Salmon '06 finished first in the 1- and 3-meter springboard at the 2006 NCAA men's swimming and diving championships.
Kosgei earned 10 team points for the Continentals. Hamilton was tied for seventh place in the team standings after the steeplechase.
