Men’s Cross Country Captures Fourth-Straight GAC Championship, Kipsang Wins Individual Title
MONTICELLO, Ark. – The East Central University men's cross country team continued its reign atop the Great American Conference, capturing its fourth consecutive GAC Championship on Saturday at the University of Arkansas–Monticello. The Tigers' first-place finish marks their 11th conference title in 15 seasons, further solidifying their legacy as one of the GAC's most dominant programs.
"So proud of the way we fought," Head Coach
Steve Sawyer said. "We had a tough week of training this past week and it showed in some tired legs. "However, the guys didn't shy away from battling as we took the lead from the sound of the gun all the way to the finish. OBU & Harding threw some tough blows our way throughout the race but we stayed the course and handled those shots well. Not our best GAC run as in years past but our GAC rivals are throwing more and more things our way each and every year. It's hard to handle sometimes but these guys did what needed to be done to bring another title back home."
Donald Kipsang once again led the charge for ECU, claiming the individual GAC Championship title with a time of 23:56.03 in the 8K race. His performance was more than seven seconds ahead of the runner-up and ranks as the second-fastest time in GAC Championship history, trailing only teammate
Aspel Kiprob's record-setting run from 2023. With the victory, Kipsang becomes the seventh Tiger to earn the GAC Runner of the Year honor. Head Coach
Steve Sawyer was also recognized for his leadership, earning his 14th GAC Coach of the Year award.
Kennedy Bett added to ECU's dominant showing with a second-place finish in 24:03.27, the fourth-fastest time ever recorded at the GAC Championships.
Peter Kipkemboi joined them on the All-GAC First Team, finishing sixth with a time of 24:29.72.
Earning All-GAC Second Team honors were
Paul Korir (11th, 24:40.44),
Brian Mitei (13th, 24:52.60),
Bhekizulu Khumalo (15th, 24:59.65), and
Aspel Kiprob (19th, 25:08.40), securing crucial points to lock up the team title.
Also competing for the Tigers were
Emmanuel Kemboi (28th, 25:26.69),
Harley Cobb (89th, 28:25.51), and
Huston Holder (94th, 28:43.93), rounding out a deep and determined ECU lineup.
The Tigers will now take a short break before turning their focus to the NCAA Division II Central Region Championships in Joplin, Missouri, on Nov. 8, where they'll look to extend their momentum into postseason competition.
