Look At Me Now: The Rise of Cristian Soratos

 First off, I just want to apologize for not being able to post recently. It’s been a very hectic two weeks for me school-wise and I’m going to try to catch up with as much as I can. Unfortunately I will not be reviewing the past two weekends I missed simply because that will take forever. I will, however, try to get more posts out rather just weekly reviews. Maybe a meet preview? Alumni reviews? Throw me some ideas! Let’s get started…

If you told me that a man from Montana State by the name of Cristian Soratos would be leading the NCAA mile field this year, I would’ve most likely laughed you. Especially if you said he would run a 3:55. It would’ve been preposterous to think that anyone but Cheserek would be grabbing headlines in the mile field this year. Even if EddyChes didn’t declare for the mile other names were surely to take that spotlight whether it be McGorty, Rotich, Kidder, Creese, or any name from Georgetown. No one thought Cristian Soratos would ever be in the mix.

When the season first started, Soratos immediately put himself on top of the mile list during the opening week of racing. His time read 3:56.87. I couldn’t help but think to myself “Who is this guy and why have I not heard of him?” After consulting with Jarrett, I later found that this 3:56 had been a conversion from a 4:05 he ran at altitude (Montana State Open). The same thought of “Wow that was generous” ran through the minds of every athlete in the country. I tried my best to push my doubts aside and hold onto the idea that Soratos could be a surprise challenger to Rotich’s throne. I had even written about his performance claiming that he could contend against Cheserek, although in my heart I knew I didn’t really believe it. Even a reader was able to say what I wasn’t. “No way the King gets upset”.

As the season progressed and Soratos’ name fell down the cutoff list, it was tough to think that he would ever really make a name for himself again and he essentially became forgotten…That is, until February 13th. Soratos stepped onto the track at the Husky Classic. A loaded field stood next to him with names like Brandon Kidder, Michael Atchoo, Jake Hurysz, and Daniel Winn. This would be the true test to see if he was worth the 3:56 time next to his name. Not only did Soratos win the race but he won it by nearly two seconds over some of the most skilled milers from the most prestigious programs in the country. Cristian Soratos is for real. The man that was once a 4:06 miler and barely cracked 1:54 last winter is now being chased by the entire NCAA mile field.

Will Soratos win NCAA’s? Maybe. The field behind him is still dangerous and he is by no means a “heavy” favorite.Cheserek is a winner and anyone able to hang with him will have to cover his kick as well. The mile title will not be an easy one to obtain. Nonetheless, Soratos might be the glimmer of hope that the little guys of the running world need. He could prove that the underdogs still have a chance in a sport dominated by naturally talented athletes. Perhaps I’m blowing this out of proportion. Maybe him getting a title won’t hold the importance I believe it will. But one thing is for sure. He’ll have another fan in me come March 14th.

Run on, 
Garrett