The NCAA has deemed two Kenyan runners slated to compete for the Nanooks this year ineligible.

Emily Cheptoo and Rhoda Kamarey, from Eldoret and Mosoriot, Kenya, respectively, are unable to compete this season because of a decision by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, the body that checks prospective athletes transcripts and test grades.

Coach Scott Jerome said although by his understanding of the rules both women appeared to qualify, Kamarey was classified as a non-qualifier and Cheptoo as a partial qualifier.

"Both have indicated that they wish to come out for the team next year," he said.

Cheptoo and Kamarey declined to comment.

According to the NCAA Division II Manual, a partial qualifier may receive financial aid and may practice only on campus or at the institutions regular practice facility but may not compete during the first academic year in residence.

A non-qualifier, according to the manual, is not eligible for regular-season competition or practice during the first year, and is only eligible for non-athletic financial aid.

Jerome said that the Clearinghouse doesnt necessarily give specific reasons for disqualifying an athlete. He is positive that both of their SAT scores met the requirements. It must have been something in their transcripts, he said.

The NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility notes a "serious problem of falsification and alteration of records exists in Kenya." Records must be submitted in a very particular way in order to be considered by the Clearinghouse, it said.