Alabama
Crimson Classic
Tide Rolls at Crimson Classic as Alabama Cross Country Sweeps Team, Individual Titles
10/13/2023 1:56:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country
The Crimson Tide men and women swept the team titles, as Victor Kiprop and Hilda Olemomoi claimed the men’s and women’s individual crowns
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In its lone home race of the season, Alabama cross country swept both the team and individual titles on Friday morning at the Crimson Classic. Victor Kiprop claimed the men's crown via a 23:13.9 run across the 8K course, while Hilda Olemomoi (18:56.9) secured the women's 6K title only two tenths of a second ahead of teammate Doris Lemngole as the duo crossed the line simultaneously.
The individual victories are the first of the season for both Kiprop and Olemomoi as both Crimson Tide runners led their race alongside teammates Hillary Cheruiyot and Lemngole, respectively, to secure Alabama the top-two spots in both events.
The No. 22-ranked Crimson Tide men needed only 36 points to take the team title, as all five scoring runners for Alabama finished in the top 16. Kiprop was joined by Cheruiyot (second | 23:23.5) and Eliud Kipsang (sixth | 23:50.2) as the three highest finishers on the men's side.
The No. 14 UA women concluded the home meet with a 49-point, sweep-securing performance as Joy Gill (19:33.0) joined Olemomoi and Lemngole as a top-five finisher to help secure the team crown.
Head Coach Dan Waters Said
"You can't ask for a better morning of racing and a better environment to celebrate Senior Day. The course was in great condition and the fans helped push our athletes to the finish line – it was a perfect environment for cross country. To not only come away with both the men's and women's team titles, but to also claim the top-two individual finishes in both races speaks directly to the preparation, by both our programs. I thought both groups ran well today as we continue to fine-tune some things as we shift our focus to the postseason.
"As for our seniors, they've shown tremendous leadership, and it felt great to celebrate them at home in front of friends, family, fans and their teammates."
Crimson Tide Top Finishes
- Victor Kiprop (first), Hillary Cheruiyot (second) and Eliud Kipsang (sixth) all secured top-six finishes to help propel the Tide to its team title
- Jacob Harris (11th) and Kai Connor (24:20.9) rounded out Alabama's scoring five in the men's second 8K of the season
- Hilda Olemomoi (first), Doris Lemngole (second) and Joy Gill (fifth) all secured top-five finishes in the first 6K race of the season for the UA women
- Elka Machan (seventh) and Lilly Walters (34th) rounded out the Tide's scoring five
Up Next for the Crimson Tide
- Alabama will take a week off before traveling to Columbia, S.C., for the SEC Championships on Oct. 27
Alabama Men - Individual Results | 8K
1. Victor Kiprop | 23:13.9
2. Hillary Cheruiyot | 23:23.5
6. Eliud Kipsang | 23:50.2
11. Jacob Harris | 24:01.8
16. Kai Connor | 24:20.9
40. Hudson Hurst | 24:50.5
41. Jackson Harris | 24:51.7
52. Will Pinson | 24:59.5
57. Ethan Lemons | 25:01.8
68. Will Douglas | 25:08.5
70. Jack Hawes | 25:10.6
72. Arthur Graham | 25:11.7
91. Brady Barton | 25:31.5
92. Knox Exton | 25:32.6
93. Carter Waters | 25:34.8
111. Kai Crawford | 25:52.2
Alabama Women - Individual Results | 6K
1. Hilda Olemomoi | 18:56.9
2. Doris Lemngole | 18:57.1
5. Joy Gill | 19:33.0
7. Elka Machan | 20:15.6
34. Lilly Walters | 21:01.1
53. Keaton Morrison | 21:15.6
72. Leah Kleekamp | 21:34.7
86. Macy Schelp | 21:47.1
148. Autumn Headrick | 22:42.9
163. Kerri Walsh | 22:56.0
For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaTrack on X, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
