Cross Country Competes at Chili Pepper Festival, Men’s Team Secures Third
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The East Central University men's and women's cross country teams traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas for their second competition of the season at the Chili Pepper Festival, hosted by the University of Arkansas. Competing against a strong field of Division I and Division II teams, the Tigers came through with the No. 3 men's team securing a commendable third place out of 25 teams, while the women's team finished 17
th among 27 on Saturday morning.
Although No. 3 ECU delivered a solid performance with a podium finish, the Tigers had the potential to deliver even more.
ECU was paced by
Amos Pkiach, who had the best time on the men's squad placing 16
th with a time of 24:28.6. He was followed closely by
Paul Korir in 26
th place at 24:43.5, and
Brian Mitei, who crossed the line in 27
th at 24:45.2.
Aspel Kiprob rounded out the top finishes, placing 38
th with a time of 24:56.7.
Other notable finishes for the Tigers included
Oliver Kiptoo in 54
th (25:05.6),
Peter Kipkemboi in 60
th (25:14.1),
Melvin Kipkemboi in 67
th (25:21.0), and
Michael Iyali in 97
th (25:47.5).
ECU's remaining participants were
Maverick Stephenson (174
th),
Aidan Wells (206
th),
AJ Gustin (208
th),
Harley Cobb (243
rd), Landon Vance (247
th),
Huston Holder (254
th), and
Joshua Robertson (260
th).
"We did not run as a team today," Head Coach
Steve Sawyer said. "We need to tighten up and run as a team like we did last year at the GAC Cross Country Championships. When we do that, we will be hard for anyone to beat."
On the women's side,
Naomy Limatukei led the team finishing 56
th out of nearly 250 runners, clocking in at 17:52.4.
Aurelia Jepkorir also made an impact placing in the top 100, finishing 63
rd in a time of 17:59.1.
Damaris Chewon was next in 121
st place with a time of 18:47.7, while
Brenda Jepkoech and
Carolyne Kimaiyo finished closely behind in 130
th (19:06.6) and 133
rd (19:08.8), respectively.
Rounding out the team were
Sharon Jesang in 151
st (19:28.7),
Stephanie Ojo in 152
nd (19:29.7),
Cadence Carlos in 215
th (21:23.5),
Brylee Baird in 221
st (21:37.0), and
Lindsey Mauppin in 237
th (23:00.0).
"We were a little flat today," Sawyer stated. "I guess we were tired from a hard week of practices. We need to be better up front and at the 3-7 spots. We also were without our #3 runner
Sheilah Cheruiyot, who finished fourth overall at the GAC Cross Country Championships last year, who has been battling sickness for the past few weeks. We are hopeful for a speedy recovery for her. Overall it was an okay day."
Next up, the ECU cross country program will prepare to compete at Dallas Baptist University for the DBU Old Glory Gallop on Saturday, Oct. 5.
