RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University cross country runner James Mutuse made NCAA Division I All-American status Monday at the NCAA Cross Country Championship Meet held in Bloomington, IN.

Mutuse, a sophomore from Nairobi, Kenya, finished in 28^th place in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 31:02. The top 30 runners were designated All-American.

"James began slowly but came on strong and actually led the race at one point before falling back," said EKU head cross country/track coach Rick Erdmann. "ESPN will show this meet in January and I'll be interested to see it again. We're happy for James. This is a great honor for him to receive at the close of the cross country season."

Mutuse qualified for the NCAA Championship by finishing eighth at the NCAA District III meet held at Furman University in Greenville, SC, Nov. 13.

The University of Arkansas finished this meet as national champion.