HAMMOND – Despite not finishing in the top 15 of the latest United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association regional poll, the Southeastern Louisiana University men's cross country team will compete at the NCAA south central regional meet, which will be held Nov. 14 in Waco, Texas.
The Lions will score in the meet, but will not be eligible to advance to nationals as a team. Individual student-athletes will have a chance to move on. The top two runners from non-qualifying schools (those that finished outside the top 15) go forward. Southeastern had hoped to make the top 15 following a strong performance at the Southland Conference championship meet last Saturday in Corpus Christi, Texas.
“Our men's team proved that they deserve to compete at the south central regional competition, having beaten a ranked competitor (Sam Houston State) from the previous week,” head coach Sean Brady said. “The five Southland Conference teams that beat us last weekend were all ranked in the top 15 and we will see them again. We also welcome the opportunity to run head up against perennial cross country powers from the SEC, Big 12 and Conference USA.”
Southeastern placed two runners on the men's All-Southland Conference team, by virtue of finishing in the top 10 at the SLC championship meet. Kalphys Kemboi was the Lions' top finisher, placing sixth by clocking a time of 24:23 in the 8K event. Henry Rop crossed the line just two seconds later at 24:25, good for ninth place.
The Lady Lions will also be represented by a pair of individuals, Dorcus Kapkiai and Naomi Jeruto, at the regional meet. Kapkiai was Southeastern's top female finisher at the conference championship, coming in 12th place with a time of 21:42 in the 6K race. Naomi Jeruto was next for Southeastern, placing 37th at 22:46.
The men's regional race will be 10K, and Brady believes the extra 2000 meters will bode well for Southeastern's top runners. The women's competition will be 6K.
