After a record setting spring semester, Chico State's Scott Bauhs' year ended in disappointment Friday during the 10,000-meter race at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Bauhs struggled with stomach pains finishing 16th with a time of 28:54. The time was more than a minute slower than his personal best set earlier in the year.
Despite the finish, Bauhs kept pace early, staying with the lead pack through the first 11 laps. Bauhs was caught in the back of the pack but it quickly became apparent that he couldn't keep pace.
The Chico State junior fell to 16th and found himself alone for the final laps.
Bauhs came into the event with great expectations. With the possibility of being Chico State's first Olympic representative and the second best time by an American this year, Bauhs had a slew of fans at Hayward Field gathering a big reception by the Oregon crowd. But the 22-year-old runner would not fulfill his Olympic dream in 2008.
However, this past season has been nothing short of remarkable for the Division II runner. Bauhs accomplished a lot during the past six months including a sub-four minute mile, representing the United States in the Cross Country Championships and his second Division II 10,000-meter championship race.
After finishing 16th with 25 of the best long distance runners in the country, Bauhs can now only look to the future and 2012.
"Next time I'm out here it will be a different story," he said to Assistant Sports Information Director Luke Reid. "This experience will help me, but more than anything, I just need to get stronger as a runner."
Defending national champion Abdi Abdirahman won with a time of 27:42. He will be joined by Galen Rupp and Jorge Torres at the Olympics in August.
Connor Ramey can be reached at the sportseditor@theorion.com
Related links U.S. track and field Olympic trials Web site
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