Elly Rono was one of the most gifted pure athletes in GLVC history. A cross country and track star for two seasons at USI, Rono was named NCAA Cross Country Athlete of the Year both years and won the individual national championship in 1997. He was the GLVC’s individual champion in 1996 and 1997 and also won NCAA championships in the 5,000 meter indoor and the 10,000 meter outdoor. He was a two-time GLVC Runner of the Year and a six-time track and field All-American. He is a world class professional marathon runner.