As all the teams have either started or this is there first weekend, we get a great glimpse of which teams are performing well and which athletes will have breakout years. Take a look at the top performers from our HBCU athletes for the weekend of 9/13-9/14.
Martha Bissah (Norfolk State)- in a loaded field at the Cavalier Classic, the two-time MEAC champion finished 10th place with a time of 17:52. Her teammate, Fridah Koech, finished 32nd with a time of 19:14. The Spartans are looking to win the MEAC title this year and their start to the season is impressive.
Fred Chepygon (Grambling)- Chepygon is continuing his winning streak as he has won his second straight meet. His first meet was a 6k victory, this weekend he won the Louisiana Tech Mook 4 Invitational 4 mile race. His time of 20:25 was 29 seconds over the next competitor.
Mathew Chesum (Benedict)- Chesum came away with the victory at the Winthrop/Adidas Cross Country Invitational. The freshman ran away from the field at the end to win the Men's 8k in 24:57. The SIAC Champ in the 1500, 3000S, 5000, and 10000 is looking to add another championship as he continues to run well this season.
Kyla Frank (Virginia State)- Virginia State had a dominate showing at their home opener (VSU Fall Opener). Frank led the way for her team's perfect score of 15 over Elizabeth City State and Virginia Union. Her time of 19:54 was two seconds faster than her next competitor. Her twin sister Kyera Frank. Looks like they were having a normal training run that they have had for years together.
Meshack Kipchichir (Norfolk State)- running against top ranked teams in the region and nation (Duke, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee) Kipchirchir finished 29th with a time of 25:27 at the Cavalier Classic . His teammate, Evans Cheruiyot, was not too far behind finishing in 35th pace with a time of 25:41. This bodes well for the Spartans as they look to compete for a MEAC title year.
Naomi Kiprop (Grambling)- Kiprop continues to start off her year well with a 3rd place finish at the Louisiana Tech 4 Mook Invitational 6k. She finished with a time of 15:29.
Micah Kirupto (Virginia Union)- The freshman dominated the VSU Fall Opener with a time of 24:48, which was 47 seconds faster than his next competitor, Tyrece Huff (Virginia State). He is due for a breakout year as he looks to win the CIAA and make some noise at the regional championships.
Taylor Price (Xavier)- Although being at an NAIA institution, Price has been performing well and has demonstrated she can hang with the top Division 1 and 2 athletes. Her third place performance at the Allstate Sugar Bowl XC Festival, in a time of 19:26, is a good start to her season. A low 18 minute performer, look out for her to drop some great times this year.
Mercy Rotich (FAMU)- Rotich continues her great start to the year as she runs a 19:20 to finish in a loaded field at the Mountain Dew Gator Invitational. Her teammate, Shalet Mitei was not too far behind as she finished 45th with a time of 19:32.
Arion Spann (Alabama St.)- Spann is having a great start to senior campaign. She is finished 14th at the UTC Twilight Meet with a time of 14:54 in the Women's 4k, which is 17 seconds faster than her first 4k of the season.
Did we miss anyone? Let us know. Leave a comment below, email us at hbcutrackandfield@gmail.com or on Twitter @hbcutracknfield.
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