Given to the most outstanding track & field athletes in the NCAA since 2009, the Bowerman Award is track’s version of the Heisman. Three athletes are chosen as finalists, from which a panel of voters select the winner of the prestigious award. Voters include the previous Bowerman winners, the Bowerman Advisory Board, media, and the fans. 

The 2014 finalists are Edward Cheserek, Lawi Lalang and Deon Lendore. These three men combined to win seven NCAA titles last season.

How well do you know the finalists? Test your knowledge with these blind resumes:  

Athlete A
1 NCAA Title
3 NCAA Runner-Ups
1 NCAA Record
3 Conference Titles
4 Top 10 All-Time NCAA Performances

Athlete B
3 NCAA Titles
1 NCAA Runner-Up
1 Conference Title
1 Conference Runner-Up
2 Top 10 All-Time NCAA Performances

Athlete C
3 NCAA Titles
1 NCAA Runner-Up
5 Conference Titles
1 NCAA Record
6 Top 10 All-Time NCAA Performances

THE FINALISTS

Lawi Lalang- Arizona

Lalang ended his collegiate career with a thrilling victory in the NCAA 5k

Lalang’s 2014 campaign was highlighted by one of the most memorable races in NCAA history, the outdoor 5k final against Edward Cheserek. The two Kenyans went blow for blow over the last 200 meters before the Arizona senior was able to squeak out a narrow victory over his freshman rival in 13:18.36. Lalang’s victory over Cheserek marked the first time that anyone had beaten the Oregon frosh in an NCAA championship race. 

Lalang ended 2014 with four top ten NCAA All-Time marks, most notably his collegiate record of 3:52.88 at the Wanamaker Mile. In that race, Lalang took down the two previous NCAA mile record holders in Chris O’Hare and Miles Batty, while also beating Olympic silver medalist Nick Willis. In 2014, Lalang ran 1500m, mile, 3k, and 5k times that ranked him among the top ten in NCAA history. That is some serious range. 

Edward Cheserek- Oregon

Edward Cheserek would be the first freshman to win the Bowerman Award

Edward Cheserek was only getting started when he won the NCAA cross country championships last November. King Ches swept the indoor 3k and 5k in dominating fashion, using his now famous kick to destroy his competitors over the final 400 meters. Cheserek added the 10k title outdoors, and very nearly went by 5 for 5 in NCAA championships last season by finishing a close runner-up to Lalang in the 5k. When all was said and done, Edward Cheserek had become the most accomplished freshman in NCAA history. 

The famous 5k between Cheserek and Lalang was on the biggest stage, but their 1500m battle at PAC-12s was just as exciting. Lalang took the pace out hard, which allowed Cheserek to show off his top end miler speed. The race was ultimately won by Lalang, but when the dust had settled, the freshman had run 3:36.50, ninth all-time in NCAA history. Pretty good for a freshman in an off-distance. 

Deon Lendore- Texas A&M 

Deon Lendore anchored the Texas A&M 4x4 to an outdoor NCAA title

You can’t have a much better year than Deon Lendore had in 2014. The junior from Trinidad and Tobago went undefeated in the 400 meters, going a perfect 14 for 14 over the span of indoor/outdoor while capturing both NCAA titles in the event. Lendore’s 44.36 from the SEC Championships put him at #10 All-Time in NCAA history, and was the fourth fastest time in the world in 2014. 

Lendore also dabbled a bit in the relays, and by that I mean he anchored an NCAA indoor collegiate record in the 4x4 (3:03.20), the #2 All-Time outdoor 4x4 (2:59.60), and the #5 All-Time outdoor 4x1 (38.90). Lendore’s Texas A&M 4x4 squad ended their 2014 season by beating the previous #2 All-Time Florida Gators at the NCAA championships.

The Bowerman Awards are this Wednesday in Phoenix, AZ. Watch the live stream of the presentation starting at 7:25 pm CT on Flotrack.