LAREDO, Texas — Texas A&M International freshman Ian Rono added to his historic debut season by becoming the first freshman in program history to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors and being named the 2025 Lone Star Conference Men's Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Rono, of Eldoret, Kenya, became the first TAMIU athlete to win the LSC men's individual title after covering the 8K course in 23:31.5 — the second-fastest winning time in conference history. His performance led a series of milestone achievements for the first-year runner.

He continued his postseason surge at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional, finishing as the top runner from the LSC and placing fourth overall in the 10K at 30:13.8. Rono went on to place 11th at the NCAA Division II National Championship, crossing the line in 30:02.8 as the top freshman finisher. The result earned him USTFCCCA All-America and All-South Central Region honors.

Head men's and women's cross country coach Benny Rodriguez said Rono's rapid rise stems from consistent discipline and focus.
"Ian Rono gave it everything — morning and evening — He is one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet, not just one of the top runners in the conference, but among the best in the nation. He shows up, puts in the work, and lets the results speak for themselves. It's a privilege to coach an athlete of his caliber."

Rono said the transition to college academics, training and life in a new country strengthened his resolve throughout the season.
"Being an international student pushed me to grow quickly," Rono said. "Adjusting to a new country wasn't easy, but it motivated me to work harder and stay focused. I felt a responsibility to represent my family back home and my team here, and that drove me every day."

He said adapting to the higher level of competition brought challenges early in the fall.
"There were moments of doubt, but trusting my training and staying disciplined helped me push through and make history for TAMIU," he said.

Rono credited his coaches, teammates and family for supporting him throughout the season.
"My coaches, Benny Rodriguez and Freddy Salinas, and my teammates were my foundation this season," he said. "Even from far away, my family's support was constant, and that gave me strength also."

Following an unprecedented freshman year, Rono said he is eager to continue building momentum.
"This season showed me what I'm capable of and how much more I can grow," he said. "I'm excited to keep improving, help elevate the program, and bring even more success to TAMIU — not only on the individual level but also on a team level."

Rono, born June 22, 2003, is the son of Samuel Bargoria and a graduate of Nakuru High School. He is majoring in Nursing at Texas A&M International.