Fayetteville, NC (September 9, 2022) - Fayetteville State University's cross country teams opened its season with first-place finishes for the women's and men's programs at the Blue Bear Invitational hosted by Livingstone College at the Salisbury Community Park in Salisbury, NC.   

The women's team placed first in the 5K race with a score of 28 points and a time of 1:50:17, nine points ahead of St. Augustine's (2nd place). The Broncos completed the race with five runners in the top ten positions. 

Sophomore Brenda Cheboi paced the Broncos, finishing the 5000-meter run in 21:48.9 minutes (third place overall). Joining Cheboi in the top ten slots were Aaliyah Saunders (4th place, 21:53.7), Mercy Chemutai (5th place, 21:55.9), Sierra Beasley (7th place, 22:11.2), and Nia Gibson (9th place, 22:28.1). 

The men's cross country team placed first in the 8K race with a score of 27 points and a time of 2:26:15; 16 minutes ahead of their opponents. The Broncos finished the race with four runners in the top five positions. 

Leading the men, Hillary Toroith crossed the finish line first with a time of 25:41.9. Joining Toroith, Derrick Kipchumba (2nd place, 26:20.2), Abel Mengich (4th place, 28:25.8), and Brian Kiptanui (5th place, 29:56.0) secured the top five slots.  

For complete results, please visit TFRRS | TFRRS | College Track & Field Results

The Cross Country programs will be competing next Friday, September 16 in Cary, NC at the NC State Adidas Cross Country Challenge.