Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville State University men's and women's cross-country teams begin their 2024 season competing in the Elon Opener, hosted by Elon University tomorrow, September 6th.

The event is scheduled to start with the women's 4K at 8:15 p.m. followed by the men's 6K at approximately 8:45 p.m.

The teams competing with Fayetteville State include Everett, Charlotte, Davidson, Guilford, Mount Olive, North Carolina A&T, Shaw, and USC Aiken.

To keep up with meet results click here.

Returning Runners:
For the men, the Bronco returners include seniors Brian Kiptanui, Abel Mengich, Derrick Kipchumba, and sophomore Nathan Kipyego.

For the women, the returners include senior Daisy Jerop, sophomores Ashely Bell and Irene Jeptoo, and juniors Repline Cheptoo and Nia Gibson.

Last Time Out:
Both the men's and women's cross-country teams swept the CIAA championships in October of last year, winning first place.

The Bronco women scored 28 points to run away with their sixth consecutive CIAA Championship, with four runners in the top nine individually, including the top three spots. Irene Jeptoo finished in 18:33.5 to claim the women's 5K individual crown. Daisy Jerop and Nia Gibson were second and third, respectively, for a 1-2-3 Bronco finish to nudge out CIAA Runner of the Year Abijah Jepkemboi of Saint Augustine's, who placed fourth. Repline Cheptoo finished 13th to complete a stellar performance by the Broncos' women.

The Bronco men tallied 56 points to claim their second straight crown in the program's existence. The Broncos took the next 2nd-4th place as Derrick Kipchuma, Nathan Kipyego and CIAA Runner of the Year Hillary Toroitich finished second, third, and fourth, respectively. Brian Kiptanui of Fayetteville State was sixth as the Broncos took four of the top six spots.

Both FSU teams are led by Head Coach Inez Turner.

What's Next?
The Broncos will be traveling to Misenheimer, NC to compete in the Pfeiffer University XC Invitational next Saturday, September 14, at 10:00 am.

For more information on FSU Cross Country, visit fsubroncos.com.

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