Alabama Men and Women Earn NCAA Cross Country Championship Berths

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A day after the Alabama women earned an automatic bid to the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships by winning the NCAA South Regional Championships, the Crimson Tide men garnered an at-large bid Saturday. It marked the third time in program history that both the men and the women advanced to the national championships in the same year and the second season in a row.

This year's national championships will be held Saturday, Nov. 19 in Stillwater, Okla. It will be the men's 22^nd appearance and the 11th for the women at the national championships.

Head Coach Dan Waters Said

"We're excited to continue what has already been such a special season. This marks the third time in program history that we've had both the men and women advance to the national championships in the same season and it's the first time we've done it in back-to-back years. Our women have been so impressive this season, especially on the way to winning SEC and Regional titles in dominating fashion. The men are looking to close the season out strong after using an outstanding performance to win the SEC title last month."

Alabama at the NCAA Cross Country Championships

The UA women come into this year's NCAA Championships after winning their first Southeastern Conference title since 1987 and their first NCAA South Regional championship since 1986
This year's appearance marks the first time the Tide women have earned back-to-back-to-back NCAA Championship berths in program history
Mercy Chelangat became UA's first individual NCAA cross country champion during the 2020 season, and finished second last season
In addition to Chelangat earning back-to-back cross country All-America honors, the Crimson Tide has two more All-Americans – Amaris Tyynismaa and Flomena Asekol – pacing Alabama at this year's national championships
The Alabama women were 15^th at last season's NCAA Championships after taking eighth during the 2020 season
The Crimson Tide men earned an at-large bid to this year's championships after finishing third at the NCAA South Regional Championships Friday morning in Huntsville, Ala.
The UA men are making back-to-back NCAA Championships appearances for the first time since 2009 and 2010
Victor Kiprop, who has gone undefeated this season, including decisive wins at the SEC and NCAA South Regional Championships, leads the Crimson Tide along with fellow track All-Americans Eliud Kipsang and Hillary Cheruiyot
The men finished 27^th last season in Tallahassee, Fla.

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