Gomez earns Elite 90 Award, finishes 10th in 10,000 meters at NCAAs

EUGENE, Ore. ­— Idaho senior distance runner Kinsey Gomez from Coeur d’Alene was recognized by the NCAA as the 2016 Outdoor Track and Field Elite 90 Award winner, one of the most prestigious awards in college athletics.

Gomez posted a perfect 4.0 grade point average since coming to the University of Idaho, majoring in general studies. Gomez graduated this spring.

The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, honors the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s 90 championships.

On the track, Gomez posted the fastest times in the Big Sky Conference in three separate events. She qualified for the NCAA First Round in the 10,000 meters, taking fourth in the event and advancing to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, where on Thursday night she finished 10th in 33 minutes, 18 seconds. Dominique Scott of Arkansas won it in 32:35.69. Gomez also took second in the 1,500 meters at the Big Sky Championships.