Anthony Rotich of UTEP won the national title in the men’s 3000 meter steeplechase in the NCAA National Championship today at Hayward Field.

The sophomore from Kenya finished with a personal best record of 8:21.19.

“I think this was a perfect race,” said Rotich.

However, it was Henry Lelei of Texas A&M who lead majority of the race till he took a tumble in the water. Rotich was able to capitalize of Lelei’s misfortune and take home the national title.

Rotich said that Lelei’s fall took him by surprise when he heard it.

Rotich thought knew the race would be close due to Lelei’s two extra years of experience over him.

“I heard a sound behind me and I thought maybe it was my legs hitting the water, but then I realized it was him,” said Rotich.

Finishing in third with a time of 8:24.45 was sophomore Stanley Kebenei of Arkansas.