McNeill Finishes Second at 5,000 Meter National Championship

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- In what can be described as an extremely tactical race, Northern Arizona junior David McNeill finished second in the finals of the men’s 5000 meters at the NCAA Division I 2009 Outdoor Track and Field Championships. His time of 14:05.79 earns the Lumberjack his fifth career All-American honor.

McNeill came in second behind Oregon’s Galen Rupp, who won in 14:04.12.

“We both believed that the man to beat was going to be Galen Rupp,” said Coach Eric Heins of the race strategy. “Dave was just wanting to sit on him as long as he could because every race we’ve seen Galen run, especially in a championship race, he sits back and waits to make his move around 1,000 meters or 600 meters.”

McNeill executed his game plan to perfection. The first 400 went by in 73 seconds with the NAU junior directly behind Rupp. Eight minutes in Rupp made a move from the back of the pack into fourth. Looking over his right shoulder, Rupp saw McNeill still with him in fifth.

Two minutes later the pair was again in the back of the pack, the same place they found themselves with three laps to go.

“I didn’t go with all the moves, because I could sense that it was going to slow down,” said McNeill.

As predicted Rupp made his initial move with 1,000 meters to go, and with 800 left McNeill was in second and Rupp followed. Rupp went for it at 600 meters putting a stride between himself and McNeill at the bell.

“I was waiting for him to make a move, and when he did, I didn’t hesitate,” he explained. “I tried my best to go with him, and I held on for a little while, but he ran fantastic. It’s not ideal, but I’m proud that I did my best.”

McNeill ran the final mile of the over three mile race in 4:03.05, for second and the best national finish of his collegiate career.

“Obviously you go into a race to give yourself a shot to win,” said McNeill. “I’m not as happy with second as I would be with first, but I’m proud. I did my best for today, and I don’t think I could have done anything much different.”

“Dave did everything right. He did everything he could to try to win that race,” said Heins, echoing the sentiment of success. “Tonight people definitely saw someone who is a competitor and someone who’s not going to back down from a challenge.”