SALEM, VA — Fayetteville State University delivered a dominant performance at the 2025 CIAA Cross Country Championships, capturing both the men's and women's team titles, sweeping the individual crowns, and earning Coach of the Year honors for Inez Turner, who was named CIAA Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year for the 11th time in her career.
The Bronco women claimed their eighth consecutive CIAA championship, led by freshman Faith Kiplimo, who won the individual title with a time of 18:12.9 and was named the 2025 CIAA Female Athlete of the Year. She was followed by teammates Videlma Jebet in second place (18:43.5), Pelisha Kosgei in third (18:52.0), Nia Gibson in fifth (19:35.5), and Brenda Cheboi in eighth (20:16.4). Ashley Bell finished 10th (20:25.6), and Repline Cheptoo placed 13th (20:50.4), rounding out a dominant showing that gave Fayetteville State a team score of 19 points. Winston-Salem State finished second with 84 points, followed by Virginia Union with 120.
On the men's side, Fayetteville State reclaimed the CIAA championship title after narrowly losing by one point to Virginia State in 2024. Sophomore Brian Kiprop led the way with a first-place finish in the 8K race, clocking 24:19.7 and was named the 2025 CIAA Male Athlete of the Year. He was followed by teammate Franklin Kipchirchir, who placed second (24:23.0), while Dominic Malel finished fourth (26:08.4), Rowny Kipchirchir took fifth (26:26.2), and Ian Kiprono placed 10th (27:16.3). Collin Serem and Romeo Kipkosgei added depth with 12th (28:29.3) and 15th (28:44.8) place finishes, respectively. The Broncos finished with a team score of 22 points, ahead of Virginia Union (84) and Virginia State (85).
Coach Turner's leadership continues to set the standard in CIAA cross country, guiding both programs to sustained excellence and championship success.