Alabama Cross Country Q&A: Vincent Kiprop
10/26/2017 10:38:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Vincent Kiprop is in his first year as a member of the Alabama cross country team. The junior from Kericho, Kenya transferred to the Capstone from Division II Missouri Southern over the summer and has been one of the Tide's top two runners in each of his outings this season. He earned SEC Runner of the Week honors for his performance at UA's Crimson Classic on Oct. 13 and will lead his teammates into the SEC Championships on Oct. 27 at Georgia.
What went into your decision to transfer to Alabama from Missouri Southern?
Vincent Kiprop: "One is I really wanted some competition. And then I knew they had some good guys here, and I knew that together we'd be able to push ourselves and achieve our goals."
What is it like running for this team?
VK: "Coming in as a transfer, I'd say that one thing is that we have a great coach who welcomed us. Then we have some great teammates who have been helpful and always ready to show newcomers way. It's been a very good time for me. I'm really grateful that I'm here."
On what has allowed him to prove himself as a top runner at Alabama:
VK: "One thing is the work Coach (Dan Waters) puts in every day, it means a lot. He really has a heart for us. And we feel it. I feel my success comes from him because of the plan he has in place for us to succeed."
What are you goals heading into the postseason?
VK: "We intend to do well at SECs and then go to regionals and succeed there. That's our goal. And then we want to be competitive at nationals. This being my first year here, I want to see what I can do running at the Division I level. I'm just going to give my best."
How have you meshed with Gilbert Kigen, Alfred Chelanga, and the rest of your teammates?
VK: "Meeting these guys here has really helped because we push each other to be the best. I know I should be there with them each day, but there may be days when I have a bad day and I'll see them in front of me. They help me push myself beyond what I would do if I was by myself. So it's really a great opportunity. It's great being here with them."
What are you excited about heading into the postseason?
VK: "What I'm looking forward to is what we'll do in the postseason. I'm really hopeful we'll make it to nationals which is a big dream for us. The SEC meet is this week and it's up to us to do our best. It's time now for us to go there and do our best.
Players Mentioned
