UTEP Freshman Michael Saruni Takes Down Donavan Brazier in Texas Relays 800 Meters

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

Michael Saruni did not have the finish to the indoor season that he wanted.

The UTEP freshman was disqualified in the 800 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

At the 90th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, Saruni made his outdoor 800-meter season debut.

Facing off Thursday against Donavan Brazier, still in his first year of his professional contract he signed after setting the collegiate 800-meter record at the NCAA Outdoor Championships last year, Saruni let Brazier lead the field through the first lap in 52.30 seconds.

Over the final lap, Saruni moved up from fourth into first, crossing the finish line in 1:45.82, the second-fastest outdoor time in the world this year. Brazier finished second in 1:46.11.

Leo Manzano, the 2012 Olympic 1,500-meter silver medalist, opened his outdoor season, finishing eighth overall in 1:50.38.