For athletes, fewer places hold greater appeal than the United States, thus the significant number of New Zealanders in the NCAA. However, many seem to be ending up in the same spot – something that has been happening since New Zealanders first began competing collegiately in the US as far back as the 1960’s. 

The United States is very precarious terrain, as it represents a dramatically different lifestyle from anything in Australasia or Europe. I mentioned in an article no less than two and a half years ago that being in a place with several others in my situation as a young kiwi athlete living in the US would have perhaps made my transition to life in America that much easier - a rather benign statement in hindsight as confining yourself to a group of those similar to you is only another wall in front of cultural assimilation. Nonetheless, training and competing as a distance runner is about being both comfortable and in routine, as opposed to a typical twenty-something year old traveller looking to completely immerse themselves into the local alcohol fuelled debauchery. (although for some that description would be rather fitting) As a result, it is little surprise that those from New Zealand who head to American Universities with others from their country or historical background are those who transition most quickly in terms of producing quality performances. Although this is not a rule or formula for success, it is a trend - with pockets of New Zealanders frequently accumulating at particular institutions around the United States, often stemming from a New Zealand or British member of the coaching staff, or more frequently a continued presence after a kiwi athlete has had success.

The Kiwi Connection can be exemplified through a number of situations both past and present, though perhaps the greatest illustration of a ‘New Zealand Legion’ at a University in the United States has been Western State University in Gunnison, Colorado - the coldest town in the Continental United States.

Since the early 1980’s there have been eighteen New Zealanders run cross-country and track at Western, with the first being Keith Dowland and the last (as of now) ironically being myself in 2008. However, throughout the 1990’s in particular, Western was an absolute powerhouse – spearheaded by the accomplishments of its New Zealand athletes. One of these athletes was NCAA DII 1500m champion and sub-4 miler Steve Willis, brother of Olympic silver medallist Nick Willis.

Steve Willis first started the search for an American university in 1995 and was drawn to Western largely because of the Kiwi connection, which was compounded by the lack of readily available information on other schools that is available today, a common situation experienced by those that headed to the NCAA before the internet was what it is today. As a result, Willis relied heavily on the experiences of the other New Zealanders already living and training in the United States.

Often the only information about a school's program you could find was what you heard from the coach who called you at 3am because he didn’t know there was a time difference in NZ.  All the coaches talk a good game, so for me I placed a lot of value on what other Kiwis who were already over there said. Since Western had a link with Kiwi's and I knew Rees [Buck], [Phil] Spratley and Squish - that’s where I went.

A Kiwi presence can also be what sets several schools apart from each other. One of the difficulties about being in NZ is that you are typically unable to visit the Universities, meet the coaches, and tour the facilities. Thus, if there is already a NZ connection, the decision is largely already made for you. As mentioned though, this isn’t necessarily a fail-proof option.

A possible downside to having other Kiwis there was that socially, I probably relied on the security my Kiwi mates provided, rather than having to work at establishing my place as a regular guy on the team like everyone else. As a young guy it's probably a good thing to have to be out of your comfort zone, and have to work hard on developing new relationships, dealing with peoples differences etc. From a developing personal character perspective, looking back I think I could have done a better job at this.  In saying that, having the other Kiwis did provide a sense of stability that often lacks for young guys (and gals) living and competing on the other side of the world. If something went down with Coach, or another team member, or if you were just running crap, there were always the other Kiwis (or the 'family' as Squish and Sprately called it) to help you out and keep things in perspective. This was probably more of a factor that we realised at the time.

Moreover, even though a familiar environment provided by the presence of fellow nationals, the collegiate system is different for everyone, and as Willis points out, it’s crucial to explore all your options as much as possible in a rational fashion.

I went over with 1.51, 3.51 which now days would be easily good enough for a good D1 school, but I had no idea of that then. I went to Western because that’s where other Kiwis were, but perhaps accepting a D1 scholarship (I had offers in Colorado Springs, Iowa, Florida and some others) may have been better for my running.

It appears now that the legion of New Zealanders heading to Western State are over, yet this is largely due to the fact that through contemporary technology, coaches from universities all over America are readily accessible, culminating in Kiwis currently attending and competing for schools all across America; from Portland to Providence. However, as always, history seems to be repeating itself, with Kiwis once again settling in numbers at pockets of schools – notably Stony Brook and Providence as of late, illustrating that as it was for Steve Willis in 1995, the “Kiwi Connection” is often difficult to turn down. 

  Xmas Cracker 5km

By Daniel Wallis

For a country as small as New Zealand, its amazing how rarely the top domestic athletes organise to consistently race each other for quality competition -- with the Northerners usually sticking to their Island, and the Southerners to theirs. Aside from the National Championships, there is usually one meet that athletes make a concerted effort to get too, in good shape. For recent history it has been the Capital Classic in Wellington, where the 3000m has been the blue-ribbon event, producing consistently fast times across the board. However, the shift is now moving south – to the New Balance x-mas cracker 5000m.

December 19^th may be hardly the ideal time to be in peak shape, with Nationals (except the 10000m) not until March -- yet for most it will be the only real chance to post a PB over 5km, and likely the only chance all year that multiple kiwis dip under 14.10. However, the early date will suit those using the meet as over distance, as well as a solid tune up for the National 10000m a little over two weeks later, as well as the World Cross Trial at the end of January.

Over the past three years the meet has seen a consistent decline in the quality of the winning times, slowing at a rate of around 10 seconds per year since 2006. That year Max Smith took out the race in 14.03, followed in 2007 by Luke Hurring in 14.13, and last years’ winner Andrew Davidson in 14.22.

This year however looks to be a trend breaker, with several athletes coming off successful cross and road seasons lining up. Race organiser Craig Motley of Canterbury University has made it clear that the pace will be on for sub -14.00 race, while he believes there will be at least 6 runners under 14.30, with hopefully a few juniors there or there about.  

With the International Track Meet in Christchurch placing 14.15 as the standard for entry into the 5km, this could be one of the few chances athletes have to break that barrier and ensure that there is a decent showing of kiwis to support at the ITM (Ed: Christchurch International Track Meet).

The Top 3 contenders:

This year there are three athletes that stand above the rest. All have impressive resumes over cross-country and have personal bests over 3000m of 8.05 or faster – making for what could potentially be one of the best 5000m races in New Zealand in the last couple of years.  

Andrew Davidson:

Last year was a breakthrough season on the track for Dr. Davidson, posting an impressive 3000m of 8.05 at the International Track Meet in Christchurch. This winter was nothing short of absolute dominance over cross for Davidson, taking the treble of North Island, South Island, and National Championship crowns. Although the road season was much quieter for the Cantabrian -- managing only 6^th in the NZ Road Champs, his class is undeniable and he rarely shows up out of shape. While he does not top the fastest times list, he tops the form list and is the clear favourite for this one.

Kim Hogarth:

In 2006 Kim Hogarth was running for Western State College in Colorado, where he ran personal bests of 13.44 for the 5km and 8.29 for the steeple. Although Hogarth has yet to get back to the sort of times that he was posting in the States, he has had a tremendous domestic season. This year Hogarth won 5 National titles: 3000m, 5000m, Steeple, Half-Marathon, and 10km Road – as well as his 3^rd place at the National Cross-Country Champs. The guy is probably one of the toughest racers in the country and has plenty of experience over the 5000m. He will push Davidson all the way, and unless he has a shocker - will be a guaranteed a podium spot.

Rees Buck:

Rees Buck is currently one of New Zealand’s best and most experienced distance runners. Buck has been national champion over multiple distances, including a three year streak from 2003-2005 when he won the 3000m title. Buck is also a 4-time NZ representative at the World Cross Champs, most recently at Edinburgh in 2008. With PBs from 800m-5km of 1.49, 3.41,13.49 and 29.12 for 10km; recorded at the 2007 Zatopek Classic where he was 3^rd place -- Buck has the gears to be a threat at any stage of the race, with his kick still very much in tact at the ripe age of 32. However, with the World Cross Trial at the end of January his primary focus, Buck may not be the threat now that he will be then – but he remains one of the favourites for a Top 3 finish. If he’s there with a lap to go, he’ll be hard to beat.

Best of the Rest:

Richy Olsen:

Although not his specialty distance, Olsen is a 4.00 miler and has had a string of solid performances over 10km on the road. Even if can’t match the strength that Davidson, Buck or Hogarth bring to the table – he will be a massive threat off of a slower pace and will surely shatter his PB of 14.34 if he can hold it together in the latter parts of the race.

Brett Tingay:

Always a consistent performer on the domestic scene, Brett Tingay is coming off a 3^rd place finish at the NZ 10km Road Champs and a 1:07:40 half-marathon in Southland last month. His current strength is impressive, especially when you consider that last season he ran 3.44 for the 1500m. Dangerous off any pace, Tingay is definitely an outside chance for a medal.

The Dark Horse:

Stefan Smith:

Labelled as one of the breakthrough athletes over the NZ cross-country season this year, the young Wellingtonian has the tools to be a real threat over anything from the 800 to the 10km. Although targeting the NZ Cross Trial and a spot on the Team to Poland next year -- Smith will be a legitimate danger for the more experienced athletes in the field, as well as to Christchurch’s 17 year old girls.

Daniel Wallis for The Runner’s Tribe