James Ngandu capped his historic cross country career at Tiffin University with the highest achievement possible, winning the 2017 NCAA Division II Championship.
Ngandu, who landed his second consecutive All American honor with the finish, won with a superb time of 30:18.8, outdistancing Zach Panning of Grand Valley State by 34 seconds (30:52.8). He led the entire race, expanding his lead with each kilometer run.
The win capped an unbeaten season for Ngandu and added to his phenomenal accomplishments in the sport. For the second consecutive year, Ngandu was named Midwest Region Cross Country Athlete of the Year.
Ngandu, a senior from Nakuru, Kenya, also won the GLIAC Championship and the Midwest Region title. He won both races by more than 10 seconds each.
Ngandu is a two-time region and three-time GLIAC champion in cross country. He has been named GLIAC Athlete of the Year twice and also finished 3rd at NCAA Nationals last year, earning All-American honors.
"There is no one more deserving," said Head Coach Jeremy Croy. "He is the hardest worker I have ever been around and no is more humble. He is a true Dragon."