Evans Kirwa was a member of the Embry-Riddle cross country and track and field teams from 2009-12. He remains the most decorated and successful runner in cross country program history, as well as one of the top track athletes Embry-Riddle has ever seen.
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In cross country, Kirwa still holds eight of the top ten fastest times in program history, including the top two. He was named NAIA Runner of the Week an NAIA-record six times and is the only person ever to win The Sun Conference Runner of the Year in each of his four years. He was a two-time All-American, finishing 10th in 2009 and sixth in 2011 at the NAIA Championships. Kirwa led the Blue and Gold to four consecutive conference titles and a program-best fifth-place showing at the 2009 NAIA Championships.
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As a track athlete, Kirwa currently holds six school records, including the indoor 1000m and 5000m as well as the outdoor mile, 3000m, 5000m, and 10,000m. He was an eight-time NAIA All-American and won The Sun Conference Track Athlete of the Year award in 2010. Kirwa also led the Eagles to four straight Sun Conference titles and the program's highest finish at a national meet, a fifth-place showing at the 2009 NAIA Indoor National Championships.
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Kirwa is also a two-time champion of the OUC Half-Marathon and currently runs for the US Army training group in Colorado.
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"There has been no better distance runner in the history of Embry-Riddle Cross Country and Track & Field than Evans. Despite all of his talent, Evans carried himself with great humility, living the core value of servant leadership. He always put the team first and worked hard to help the team meet its goals. There is no doubt in my mind that Evans belongs in the Hall of Fame."
Mike Rosolino
Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (2001-present)
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"Evans was a dedicated, goal-oriented teammate. His willingness to work hard was apparent, and there was little that could derail his positive outlook. Even early-morning practices before class could not dull his 'give everything' mentality and positive attitude. His commitment to improving inspired others to improve as well, and I can say without a doubt that he was a large factor behind the team's success."
Nick Gehlsen
Embry-Riddle Cross Country (2006-09)/Track & Field (2007-10)
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"Evans was a great influence on the team from the very beginning. I remember his first day at practice, fresh off a plane ride but more than ready to start training with the team. His humbleness was my first impression of him and to my enlightenment that never faded. Evans is the type of athlete that listens to the coaches and does every workout according to plan. His passion for running goes beyond college and he continues to amaze me with his ability."
Flo Vazquez
Embry-Riddle Cross Country (2008-10)/Track & Field (2008-11)
