For the 13th time, the Seawolves are returning from the NCAA West Region cross-country championships with a winner.
Emmah Chelimo, a senior from Kenya, won the women’s race at Saturday’s championships in Monmouth, Oregon.
It was her second straight region title, and it came in dominant fashion — Chelimo won the 6-kilometer race by 27 seconds with a time of 20 minutes, 22 seconds.
Nancy Jeptoo, a junior, placed fourth in 20:53, and two Seawolves cracked the top 10 in the men’s 10K race — junior Felix Kemboi was eighth (30:11) and junior Wesley Kirui was ninth (30:13). The men’s victory went to Josh Litwiller of Cal State San Marcos, who clocked 29:54.
Chelimo and Jeptoo each qualified for the Dec. 23 national championships in Sacramento, California, and they could have company. The UAA women finished fourth in the team standings, and coach Michael Friess said the team has a good shot at an at-large bid for the national championships.
Helping the women score their strong team finish were Joan Kipsanai (30th in 21:36), Ruth Cvancara (49th in 22:01) and Yvonne Jeschke (68th in 22:12).
Other scorers for the men were Faisal Ibrahim (60th in 31:36), Jacob Moos (69th in 31:47) and Eduardo Orozco (70th in 31:47). The men placed eighth in the team standings.
UAA’s West Region champions
Women
2019 — Emmah Chelimo
2018 — Emmah Chelimo
2017 — Caroline Kurgat
2015 — Joyce Chelimo
2013 — Susan Tanui
2012 — Susan Tanui
2011 — Ruth Keino
Team titles: 2018, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009
Men
2015 — Henry Cheseto
2014 — Henry Cheseto
2012 — Micah Chelimo
2011 — Micah Chelimo
2010 — Marko Cheseto
2009 — Marko Cheseto
Team titles: 2015, 2011, 2010