Not staged or dramatic at all. There are a few things to consider here:
1. 1st national title
2. First big race win in a long time, maybe ever. He's been second/third in a few big races: Arcadia 2003 behind Solinksy's 843, 1318 5k at Stanford behind Lagat, NCAA 5k behind Bobby Curtis, 2010 Houston Half behind Vega
3. He just blew up at 2011 Houston Half and did a 180.
I think the biggest race he's ever won is maybe a Big 12 title? Jay/Greg could probably correct me on that if I'm wrong. He just had a big breakthrough, let him have a moment to himself.