Shadrack Kiptoo is the New Mexico state champion in the high school boys 800-meter run, 1,600-meter run and 3,200-meter run.
In fact, he has never lost a race in the Land of Enchantment.
He has proven he is the fastest runner in the state, and some, such as UNM head cross-country coach Matt Henry, go as far as saying he is the best in the nation.
"I don't think anybody can beat him," Henry said. "He's the best there is."
Kiptoo committed to run for Henry and the Lobo team at the end of last summer. Henry said last season he "shuffled some people around" and even redshirted a few in preparation for Kiptoo's arrival.
Henry said he's hoping to see something special happen this year in Lobo track and cross country. Kiptoo will compete in both.
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"We're just glad that he wanted to stay home with us," Henry said. "We're really lucky that he's a local product and we could get him."
Kiptoo came to the United States from Kenya two years ago to live with his uncle. He said he came to get a better education and go to college.
Kiptoo graduated from La Cueva High in May and said he wanted to stay in Albuquerque for several reasons, but mostly to become a better athlete.
"It's a good place to train," he said. "I have a lot of friends here, and I like the program UNM has."
Kiptoo said running is in his blood. His father and brothers are also respected runners in their homeland of Kenya.
Kiptoo said as a child he ran everywhere, but didn't actually compete in a formal race until high school.
"We just ran for fun," he said.
This summer, Kiptoo has been running an average of 12 miles a day, between 80 and 85 miles per week. He said he does get tired, but he is strong willed and strong minded, and that's what separates him from others.
"If you're not strong in mind, you can't do anything," he said.
Henry said Kiptoo has been blessed with ability.
"I think we've all been blessed in different ways," he said. "The good Lord has given him a great talent, and he's taking advantage of that. And he's been blessed because he's a smart young man and has a nice personality."
The Lobos will start practice Aug. 25 and the cross country season will get underway at home at the UNM North Course on Sept. 11.
