Results 

COLUMBIA, Missouri (SMU) -- Rose Mburu made her debut on the national stage this morning at the NCAA Cross Country Championships at Mizzou. The freshman placed 62nd at one of the most competitive collegiate championships in the country.  

This is the highest placement by a Mustang since 2011, and the first appearance at the NCAA Cross Country Championship by an SMU athlete since 2018. Mburu ran a time of 19:39.3 in the 6k race, running a consistent race. 

"For Rose, as a first-year runner, to finish in the top 25% of the NCAA says everything—today wasn't just a good day; it was a real steppingstone for what's ahead," Head Coach A'Havahla Haynes said. "It is a testament to her determination and focus the whole season." 

Today's race was a huge moment for the freshman and will give her great momentum going into the track season and her upcoming cross country years at SMU. 

"I would say this is the best experience ever," Mburu said. "Even though I did not earn the top 40 placement for All-American honors, I am so proud to make my first move as a freshman."