Dathan, who, according to his mother, was looking for a top 15 finish, shattered expectations. In muddy, cold conditions Ritz posted a 25:46 over the 7.7 kilometer course in Ostend, Belgium. The mile pace was unthinkably slow, averaging a mere 5:23 min/mi, as compared to his 4:33\'s when he posted a 14:10 5k at the Michingan state meet. Nevertheless, this accomplishment is one that will be forever remembered.
Revered by many as one of the best, if not the best, prep runner of all time, Dathan has done far more than just finish third at a world meet. His name is now officially on the world scene, and it is about time. In the meet Ritz wasn\'t the only star. Matt Tegenkamp of the University of Wisconisn placed fifth overall, and second for the US. The two led the US to a 4th place overall team finish, and sent a message to the world: \"Look out, because here we come.\" Ritz and Teg were the only non-African finishers in the top 13, let alone the top 5. American distance running is back in a big way.