Men’s Cross Country Tabbed as Preseason Favorite
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Tuesday, the Great American Conference announced the results of its 2023 GAC men's cross country preseason coaches' poll, with ECU being picked as the conference favorite. ECU received all seven available first-place votes from the league's head coaches.
"We appreciate the recognition as preseason favorites," head coach
Steve Sawyer said. "At the same time, we know and accept the work that lies ahead to make it a reality."
The Tigers return 11 runners from the 2022 championship team that helped ECU claim it's eighth GAC Championship in 12 years. Four runners placed in the top-10, including a 1-2-3 finish and a sixth place finish.
Amos Pkiach was the top finisher for the Tigers, claiming first individually and receiving GAC Runner of the Year honors. Pkiach edged out
Oliver Kiptoo by one second while
Melvin Kipkemboi placed third and
Michael Iyali came in sixth. All four athletes claimed All-GAC First Team honors.
Kiptoo wrapped up his season as just the second GAC male runner to qualify for the NCAA National Championships as an individual where he placed 53
rd out of over 250 competitors.
The Tigers also return an additional GAC honoree,
Aspel Kiprob, who won the 5,000-meter run at the GAC Track & Field Championships this past season.
The East Central University men's cross country team will open the 2023 season on Thursday, Aug. 31 at the Rogers State University Meet in Claremore, Oklahoma.
