He had survived a blistering early pace set by Luke Puskedra of Judge Memorial (Salt Lake City) at the Foot Locker National Cross Country Finals on Saturday at Balboa Park in San Diego. Rain the night before made the 5-kilometer course muddy — perfect for the senior from LaPorte, Ind.

"I wasn't sure exactly when I was going to make that move," Fout said. "I knew it had to be soon. I was thinking, 'If you're going to make it, make it count.' I made it and never looked back."

Fout took control on a straightaway two miles into the race, then pulled away on an uphill to win the race in 14 minutes and 50 seconds, seven seconds ahead of runner-up Christopher Derrick of Nequa Valley (Naperville, Ill.).