Is Wesley Kirui really at Washington State, Alaska Anchorage, or somewhere else?
A sharp eyed reader of the blog noted that Kirui, who qualified for the NCAA last June for Hampton University in Virginia, is also listed on the roster of the University of Alaska/Anchorage.
In its preview for the upcoming cross country season that was written on Saturday August 25th, media partner Flotrack has the Cougars ranked number 20, based on the assumption that Kirui would be WSU’s number one or two runner, alongside Chandler Teigen.
paulmerca.blogspot.com has reached out to Wayne Phipps at Washington State, as well as Jessica Holmes, the school’s SID for cross country to clarify this matter. We have also reached out to Blake Timm, the assistant director for communications at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, as well as to Ian Marks, the sports information director at Alaska/Anchorage.
As they say in the business, stay tuned...this isn't over yet.
UPDATE (9:40 pm) A source with knowledge of the situation informs paulmerca.blogspot.com that Kirui originally signed with Washington State, but then went to UAA at the last minute. Furthermore, he was not eligible to compete at the Division I level, thus prompting the move to Alaska/Anchorage. "A weird situation" is how the source best put it.
UPDATE (11:15 pm) University of Alaska/Anchorage sports information director Ian Marks emailed paulmerca.blogspot.com to verify that Kirui is indeed on the UAA campus as the school began its fall semester Monday, and that the school took his head shot for its web site. Kirui's addition could alter the GNAC men's title race, as in its pre-season coaches' poll, Western Oregon is projected to win the conference crown, with Dustin Nading from WOU the coaches' favorite to win the individual title.
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