Women's Cross Country Dominates Field to Capture 2026 GAC Championship
SHAWNEE, Okla. – The East Central University women's cross country team returned to the course on Saturday for the 2026 Great American Conference Championships in Shawnee. Despite competing in the coldest conditions of the season, the Tigers powered through the field to capture both the team and individual championships for the second time in program history.
After finishing third in each of the last two seasons, ECU returned to the top of the conference standings to claim its fourth GAC Championship in program history. The Tigers dominated the competition with an impressive 16 points, placing five runners in the top six, including a sweep of the top four spots.
For his team's outstanding performance, Head Coach
Steve Sawyer was named GAC Coach of the Year.
Joyce Kemboi continued her outstanding season, capturing her third meet victory of the year and her first GAC Individual Championship in her first season wearing the orange and black. She crossed the finish line in 16:55.45, nearly 30 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, teammate
Winnie Kipsang, to add GAC Runner of the Year honors to her accomplishments.
Kipsang, the reigning GAC Runner of the Year, finished second with a time of 17:26.63. Patrober Kosegi followed in third at 17:33.51, while
Sharon Jemeli secured fourth place in 17:41.93. After an Oklahoma Baptist runner finished fifth,
Antonia Ronoh rounded out ECU's scoring in sixth place with a time of 18:03.19. All five Tigers earned All-GAC First Team honors.
Emily Silva was the next Tiger to cross the finish line, placing 15th overall with a time of 18:32.71 to earn All-GAC Second Team recognition.
Victaline Mutai finished 30th with a time of 19:02.35, followed by
Sheilah Bii in 78th at 20:25.34.
Lindsey Mauppin crossed the line in 81st with a time of 20:32.03, while
Gracee Henderson finished 111th in 21:36.27.
Lily Hudman rounded out the ECU lineup in 148th place with a time of 25:20.65.
With the historic conference championship secured, the Tigers now turn their attention to the NCAA Division II Central Region Championships in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Saturday, Nov. 21.
