7. From A Fall To Blazing Finish, Zach Kreft Rebounds To Score All-American Nod
There's a big difference between having an All-American nod and earning an All-American effort.
Which described Buckeye Valley (OH) High senior Zach Kreft on Saturday at Foot Locker?
There's no doubting the Notre Dame signee -- who finished 12th in 15:48.20 -- gave one of his career best efforts, especially considering he found himself amid a couple boys that fell just before the mile marker.
"Just getting back into the race, I wasted a lot of energy to get back in the lead pack," he said.
But Kreft also displayed the kind of tireless grit that embodies true competitors. The Ohioan was expected to finish among the top runners on Saturday, but even after his plan went awry he still managed to find a way to finish strong.
Those kind of "find-a-way" moments are always present during national championship races.
Kreft made sure to add his name to that list.
- Cory Mull