The younger brother of an All-American and a top California runner are joining UAA's powerhouse cross country and track programs.
Amos Kipchumba, whose sister Joyce Chelimo is a seven-time All-American for the Seawolves, and Justin Carrancho, a top junior college runner in California, are expected to be immediate contributors, UAA coach Michael Friess said.
"I expect both Justin and Amos to make a strong impact for our program in their first year," Friess said in a press release from the school. "I am excited because both are talented runners and will add depth to our roster."
Carrancho will transfer to UAA as a junior after two seasons at Hartnell College in Salinas, California. He finished 19th at the California Community State Cross Country Championships as a sophomore in 2014 with a four-mile time of 20:43.2.
On the track, Carrancho holds collegiate PRs of 3:57 for 1,500 meters, 14:48 for 5,000 meters and 31:06 for 10,000 meters.
[Seawolves dominate West Region cross country championships]
Kipchumba ran cross country for Ranger (Texas) College as a freshman last season, running in three races before getting injured. He transferred to UAA in January and was a track redshirt this spring as he recovered from his injury.
Carrancho and Kipchumba are part of a recruiting class that also includes Galena's Kaleb Korta, a state high school champ in both cross country and track.
The three join a UAA team that in the last six cross-country seasons has captured three West Region titles and three runner-up trophies.