The Preseason MileSplit50 Top 25 Boys Individual Rankings

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No. 13: Devan Kipyego

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School: St. Raphael Academy (RI)

Year: Senior, Class of 2023

2021-22 Notable Finishes: First at the RIIL State Cross Country Championships in a 5k PR of 15:32.30. Also won the 2,000m steeplechase in a US No. 1 5:48.15 at New Balance Nationals Outdoor and finished second in the mile at Brooks PR in a US No. 8 4:00.64.

Analysis: Judging off of his nationally-ranked performances on the track during 2022 -- and his much improved effort in country in the months preceding -- Kipyego may have the most potential of anyone to develop into a star on the cross country course this fall.

Last year as a junior, Kipyego ranked seventh among competitors in Rhode Island with a 5k best of 15:32.30, running that personal best en route to his first state cross country individual championship. That made for quite the progression for Kipyego, who didn't advance from the RIIL Class Championships the year prior as a sophomore.

But looking beyond last cross country season to his 2022 track season, he truly showcased his potential for improvement this fall. 

Kipyego nearly broke four minutes in the mile in a battle with Simeon Birnbaum at Brooks PR to end his outdoor campaign, clocking a huge 4:00.64 personal best for second in that race. Beyond putting his mile speed on display, Kipyego also showcased great versatility at a variety of events, including the grueling 2,000m steeplechase, winning the event at New Balance Nationals Outdoor with a US No. 1 time of 5:48.15. His most impressive improvement, however, may have came in the 800m, running 1:51.32 to win a state championship and surpass his previous season best by nearly seven seconds. 

The St. Raphael star clearly showed signs of development over the course of the long track season. With that kind of extreme progression, he looks bound to make similar strides in the 5k discipline this fall. And considering the mile speed and steeplechase endurance as part of his racing arsenal, Kipyego could have a breakout season on the cross country course as a senior.

MileSplit50 Boys Individual National Rankings Countdown

RANK

DATE-NAME

25Aug. 25 -- Noah Breker (Robbinsdale Armstrong, MN) -- Page 2
24Aug. 25 -- Aidan Ross (Uxbridge, MA) -- Page 3
23Aug. 25 -- Connor Ackley (Hilliard Davidson, OH) -- Page 4
22Aug. 25 -- Wesley Shipsey (Central Catholic, OR) -- Page 5
21Aug. 25 -- Jacob Nenow (Jesuit, OR) -- Page 6
20Aug. 26 -- Hunter Jones (Benzie Central, MI) - Page 7
19Aug. 27 -- Andrew Hauser (Rock Bridge, MO) -- Page 8
18Aug. 28 -- William Schneider (Bishop Blanchet, WA) -- Page 9
17Aug. 29 -- Rendon Kuykendall (Hope Christian, NM) -- Page 10
16Aug. 30 -- Zack Munson (Sehome, WA) -- Page 11
15Aug. 31 -- Keegan Smith (Knoxville Catholic, TN) -- Page 12
14Sept. 1 -- Jimmy Wischusen (Union Catholic, NJ) -- Page 13
13Sept. 2 -- Devan Kipyego (St. Raphael Academy, RI) -- Page 14
12Sept. 3 -- Simeon Birnbaum (Rapid City Stevens, SD) -- Page 15
11Sept. 4 -- Kevin Sanchez (Austin Vandegrift, TX) -- Page 16
10Sept. 5 -- Tayson Echohawk (Orem, UT) -- Page 17
9Sept. 6 -- Christopher Caudillo (Clovis, CA) -- Page 18
8Sept. 7 -- Rocky Hansen (Christ School, NC) -- Page 19
7Sept. 8 -- Connor Burns (Southern Boone County, MO) -- Page 20
6Sept. 9 -- Aidan Cox (Coe Brown Academy, NH) -- Page 21
5Sept. 9 -- Kole Mathison (Carmel, IN) -- Page 22
4Sept. 9 -- Tyrone Gorze (Crater, OR) -- Page 23
3Sept. 9 -- Aaron Sahlman (Newbury Park, CA) -- Page 24
2Sept. 9 -- Leo Young (Newbury Park, CA) -- Page 25
1Sept. 9 -- Lex Young (Newbury Park, CA) -- Page 26