Tulane University
NCAA National Championships
Cross Country Wraps Up Season At National Championship
Nov 23, 2024 | Cross Country
MADISON, Wi. - The Tulane cross country program capped off its season with its first NCAA National Championship appearance since 1998 on Saturday morning in Madison, Wisconsin. The men's team achieved a historic 28th-place finish, the highest in program history, while Caroline Jeptanui earned All-American honors with an impressive 12th-place finish.
"What a way to end a historic and momentous season for our program," director of cross country / track & field Adrian Myers said. "Anytime your season ends at the National Championship is a sign of success, but the way these young people did it just gives me so much pride."
Women's Results | Men's Results
Jeptanui's rise to national recognition was evident throughout the season. In October, she showcased her potential, placing third at Pre-Nationals on the same Zimmer Championship Course.
Today, she capped off her first season at Tulane with a 12th-place finish on the national stage, clocking 19:47.6.
"Caroline is a warrior. She's been battling an injury since Pre-Nationals and, as a result, has missed significant amounts of training," Myers said. "But we were cautious along the way, which put her in a position to find success today. Most athletes would have used the built-in and honest excuse of an injury, but she went for it and came away with 12th. She's an amazing young woman."
Blezzin Kimutai represented the Wave as well, narrowly missing All-American status by finishing 55th with a time of 20:16.0.
"Blezzin just keeps getting better," Myers said. "Every race, she gets a little better. To come here and finish 55th, moving up through the race, is a testament to her future in the sport. I cannot wait to see what she does in track to build off this fall. I am so proud of her growth as a student-athlete since arriving on campus."
The Tulane men's team entered the race ranked 30th by the USTFCCCA and exceeded expectations, finishing 28th today.
"Our men came in ranked 30th in the country and finished 28th," Myers said. "They exceeded expectations and showed just how much we belong here. Jack, Bernard, and Illia really went for it and led the way for us. They're a three-headed monster that any program in the NCAA would have trouble with."
"The seniors on this team have paved the way for a strong future," Myers added. "Their leadership and commitment to our identity as a program mean everything. Ryan, Tucker, Jack, Wondu, and Jordan, you are the standard."
Bernard Cheruiyot led the Olive and Blue, placing 85th with a time of 29:49.1, while Jack Jennings followed in 113th with a time of 29:59.2. Illia Kunin finished in 161st, clocking 30:21.0.
The rest of the Tulane squad rounded out the performance with Wondu Summa finishing in 220th, Jordan Bendura at 246th, Ryan Adkins in 248th, and Tucker Poshard in 250th, all contributing to the program's historic showing.
"Now, we shift our focus to continued program growth. Everyone in the room must carry their fair share, and everyone must improve in some way along this journey," Myers stated. "If we all do that, we'll keep getting better as a program - simple as that. We have the right people in the room. Track & Field season is up next!"
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Players Mentioned
