Kris Gauson Places Eighth At World University Games

SHENZHEN, CHINA -- Former Butler track standout Kris Gauson placed eighth in the finals of the 1500 meter run at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China, on Thursday (Aug. 18).  The 2011 Horizon League Indoor and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year is competing at the Games for Great Britain.

Gauson crossed the finish line in 3:49.84, nearly four seconds faster than his time in the semifinals on Tuesday.  He trailed teammate David Bishop in seventh place by 0:00.23.

Imad Touil of Algeria won the 1500 meter title with a time of 3:48.13, while Abdelmadjed Touil of Algeria came in second in 3:48.24.  Valentin Smirnov of Russia was third in 3:48.45, followed by Haining Teng of China (3:48.71), Artur Ostrowski of Poland (3:48.81) and Dmitrijs Jurkevics of Latvia (3:49.35).

Gauson, who completed his eligibility with the Bulldogs in 2010-11, is one of two Butler representatives at the World University Games.  Butler men’s basketball coach Brad Stevens is serving as an assistant coach for the USA team, which is currently unbeaten in the Games.