ECU Shines at 2024 GAC Cross Country Championships: Men's Team Claims Title, Women Take Third
ADA, Okla. – The much-anticipated day arrived as East Central University proudly hosted the 2024 Great American Conference Cross Country Championships at Oak Hills Golf Country Club on Saturday morning. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as ECU delivered a remarkable performance, highlighted by the men's team capturing their tenth championship title—its third in a row—while the women's team showcased their strength by securing an impressive third-place finish.
2024 GAC Cross Country Championship Full Results
The men's team dominated the competition, with all seven of their runners finishing in the top 11 and accumulating a mere 26 points—23 ahead of runners-up Harding. Newcomer
Brian Mitei led the charge with a stellar third-place finish, earning First-Team All-GAC honors. He was closely followed by teammates
Amos Pkiach,
Melvin Kipkemboi, and
Paul Korir, who claimed fourth, fifth, and sixth places, respectively.
Peter Kipkemboi and
Oliver Kiptoo rounded out the All-GAC First Team by finishing eighth and tenth.
Michael Iyali also shined, crossing the line in 11th to secure a spot on the All-GAC Second Team.
Additional accolades went to
Joshua Robertson,
AJ Gustin, and
Peter Kipkemboi, who earned spots on the GAC men's cross country honor roll. Adding to the excitement, head coach
Steve Sawyer was named Coach of the Year, marking the 13th time he's received this prestigious honor.
"I am very proud of our guys today who stepped up in a hard way," Sawyer said. "
Aspel Kiprob, last year's champ and lead runner who finished in sixth place at the 2023 NCAA Championships, was out due to sickness and the guys rallied in his absence. We will look ahead to heal up and get well looking into region in a few weeks to defend our title there as well."
On the women's side,
Naomy Limatukei and
Aurelia Jepkorir led the Tigers with outstanding performances, finishing second and third, respectively, and earning First-Team All-GAC honors.
Carolyne Kimaiyo and
Damaris Chewon also made their mark, finishing 17th and 18th to earn Second Team accolades.
First-time championship participant
Stephanie Ojo finished strong at 40th, while
Sharon Jesang,
Brenda Jepkoech,
Cadence Carlos,
Brylee Baird, and
Lindsey Mauppin contributed valuable performances across the board. Chewon and Mauppin also earned recognition on the GAC women's honor roll.
"We put ourselves in the fight today," Sawyer commented. "It just did not go our way this time. We will look at region in two weeks and hope we can represent better than what we did today."
