Abdirahman emerges as one of nation's elite runners

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior Abdi Abdirahman will compete this weekend at the NCAA Western Regional Cross Country Championships in Fresno, Calif., while looking ahead to the NCAA Championships in Lawrence, Kan., Nov. 23.

"I had this friend who told me that I look like a runner so I went to practice with the team," Abdirahman said. "The first time I ran with the team, I was in jeans and a T-shirt and I beat everybody."

UA cross country head coach David Murray recognized Abdirahman's potential and was instrumental in bringing him to the university. From then on, junior college transfer Abdirahman has proven himself capable of competing as one of the nation's elite cross country runners under Murray's guidance.

"He definitely moved to another level when he got here," Murray said. "That was due to more experience and a lot of natural ability."

Abdirahman raced to seven top 10 finishes in his first year as a Wildcat in his junior year, with wins in the Jammin' Invitational and the Aztec Invitational as well as a 7th place finish at the NCAA Championships.

"Coach had faith in me and knew what I was capable of doing when I got here," Abdirahman said.

This year Abdirahman has emerged as one of the most competitive and gifted runners in the country. An individual title and a course record at the Pacific 10 Conference Championships of 23 minutes, 23 seconds in Eugene, Ore., Oct. 31, solidified Abdirahman as one of the top runners in the nation.

"Abdi is definitely one of the top five runners in the country, and he has a chance of winning the national championship," Murray said.

Senior cross country runner Jeff McLarty has also been amazed by Abdirahman's performance this year and remarked that many underestimate Abdirahman's talent.

"The guy is running amazing. He goes out and runs well and everybody still underestimates him," McLarty said. "In the end I think he has a shot to win (the NCAA championship)."

Teammate Jeremy Lyon respects both Abdirahman's running and character, and looks for him to compete for the national title.

"Abdi's the man, he's a great guy and an incredible runner," Lyon said. "I think he definitely has a shot at winning the NCAA championship."

With both his teammates and Coach Murray behind his national championship bid, Abdirahman hopes his rigorous practice schedule and mental preparation will culminate in a NCAA title.

"I'm looking forward to running in the NCAA championships," Abdirahman said. "If I give it 100 percent, I'll be satisfied with my place."

Abdirahman's running prospects outside of college are not to be underestimated. Coach Murray strongly believes that Abdirahman has the ability and drive to compete for a spot on the 2000 Olympic team.

"I think Abdi could be right there in the 2000 Olympics," Murray said. "I look down the road and can see him representing the United States in distance events."

Abdirahman has also been imperative to the Wildcats' team success this season. The Wildcats are currently ranked No. 7 and are in the hunt for a team NCAA championship,.

Abdirahman's commitment to the team's performance is often overlooked, but definitely present and passionate, Murray said.

"He's a quality person and a quality runner," Murray said. "He is always concerned with the team's performance as well as his individual performance. He just loves to compete and is very good at it."

Brian Wahlund can be reached via e-mail at Brian.Wahlund@wildcat.arizona.edu.