Washington State hall of famer Samson Kimobwa passes away...

According to a report out of Kenya, Washington State University hall of famer Samson Kimobwa (also spelled Kimombwa according to the Washington State University sports information department) passed away on Wednesday at the age of 58, after complaining of a stomach ailment the previous day.

During his career at Washington State, Kimobwa (left/photo courtesy Washington State University) earned nine All-America certificates from 1975-1980, won the 1977 NCAA championship in the 10000 meters, won three Pac-8/Pac-10 conference titles and had eight NCAA top-five finishes in his career.

He was also part of the 1977 Cougar track team that won the NCAA indoor title in Detroit, finishing second in the three-mile run in 13:23.05.

Kimobwa broke the world record in the 10000, running a time of 27:30.47 at the World Games on June 30, 1977 in Helsinki, Finland.  That record was broken a year later by Kenyan compatriot and Washington State teammate Henry Rono.

"We have lost a role model, a colleague and person who inspired many young athletes," Patrick Sang, an Athletics Kenya official in the Rift Valley Province and 1992 Olympic 3 000 meter steeplechase silver medallist told Reuters.

Kimobwa was inducted into the Washington State University Athletics Hall of Fame during campus ceremonies last September.

Here's a link to the Washington State release noting its 2012 Hall of Fame class.

Here is a video highlight of Kimobwa winning the NCAA 10000 meter title in 1977:

Meanwhile, the Cougars will have a split squad competing in two meets in the state of Idaho, with the majority of the squad off to Nampa to compete at the Boise State Bronco Invitational, and the rest staying closer to home, participating in the Idaho Collegiate I meet at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.

Among the key athletes traveling to Nampa are All-American Stephan Scott-Ellis, who will contest the long jump, and high jumper Holly Parent.

Distance runners Justin Englund, Drew Jordan, and Jono Lafler are the key Cougs competing in Moscow.

Courtesy of Washington State University, here's a video interview with Cougar coach Rick Sloan previewing this week's meets:

Washington State's release previewing the meet is available here.

NOTE:  The Washington State University sports information office contributed to this report.