Cross Country Continues Postseason Run at NCAA South Central Regionals

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sending both its entire men's and women's squads, the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi cross country programs will compete at the NCAA South Central Region Championship on Friday, hosted by Arkansas at Agri Park.
 
The women will run a 6K beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. men's 10K. The top two teams in each field, as well as individual qualifiers will advance to the NCAA Championships on Nov. 18 at the University of Virginia.
 
"I'm looking forward to the men continuing their momentum from our conference title into the next phase of our championship season. On the women's side, we are looking to build off our conference performance and create some momentum going into track season and next cross country," said head coach Bryan Jackson.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi's men's squad enters competition ranked No. 5 in the region behind Arkansas, Texas, Tulane and Texas A&M. The Islanders won their first-ever Southland Conference Championship on Oct. 27 after edging out UIW by one point.
 
Freshman Mathayo Kiptoo Bundotich was crowned SLC Champion after winning the 8K race by 10 seconds with a 24:17.6. It was his second individual title of the year after placing first at the Rice Invitational. Bundotich was named both the SLC Runner and Freshman of the Year.
 
Senior Dennis Kipngeno is well-versed in postseason competition as he'll look to qualify for the NCAA Championships for the third year in a row. Kipngeno placed third at the SLC Championship with an 8K run of 24:46.9. He clocked in at 30:39.6 at last year's NCAA Regionals to finish top-10 and punch his ticket to nationals.
 
Bundotich an Kipngeno were both selected to the 2023 All-Conference First-Team along with junior Kelvin Kimaiyo, while sophomore Enock Kimutai garnered All-Conference Second-Team accolades.
 
The women have been guided by senior Sharon Kiprop who led the Islanders with a 6K time of 22:43.5 at the SLC Championship. The Islanders placed fourth overall, which was two spots ahead of their 2022 standing.
 
Expected to run alongside Kiprop is senior Riley Cowan, junior Chloe Garcia Grafing, sophomore Deandra Ibarra, freshman Kate Brockman and freshman Faith Ramos. Ibarra won an SLC Athlete of the Week award on Sept. 26 after her 23:51.2 performance in the 6000m at Minnesota's Roy Griak Invitational.
 
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For more information on Islanders Cross Country/Track & Field, follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersTFXC), Instagram (@IslandersTFXC) and like their Facebook page (Islanders Track & Field/Cross Country).
 
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