Posted: Nov 17, 2023

Men's Cross Country Compete at Nationals

Huntsville AL. – Northwest Tech Cross Country return from Nationals, placing 15th in the NJCAA Division 1 Men's Cross Country Championship and 17th in the NJCAA Men's Half-Marathon Championship. The Championships took place on Nov. 11th and Nov. 14th.

NJCAA Cross Country Championship Results

NJCAA Half-Marathon Championship Results

"I have learned a lot in my very first season as a head cross country coach here at Northwest Tech," commented Coach Sambu. "I really appreciate the athletic department and the entire school staff for believing in me. I have enjoyed working with my team from the time they arrived on campus; they are a very disciplined and respectful group. We started the season well without any injuries. Unfortunately, towards the end of the season, some guys started getting injuries. During the championships, three of my top five guys were injured. However, they still competed because we didn't have any other option. In the half-marathon, I held up the injured ones. My guys did their best but were so disappointed because they know what they're capable of. Kabelo did very well, and if everyone else was healthy, I believe we could've won the National Championship easily."

NJCAA Men's Cross Country Championship Individual Results:

Kabelo Maja placed 16th with a time of (24:27.70)

Daniel Cornelissen placed 104th with a time of (27:02.90)

Ronin Rybnika placed 108th with a time of (27:02.90)

Sibonokuhle Thwala placed 123rd with a time of (27:29.80)

Edgar Kosgei placed 151st with a time of (28:20.10)

Denis Kibet placed 174th with a time of (29:24.00)

Lucky Maila placed 190th with a time of (30:24.80)

NJCAA Men's Half-Marathon Championship Individual Results:

Kabelo Maja placed 7th (All-American) with a time of (1:08:16.70)

Edgar Kosgei placed 96th with a time of (1:22:39.10)

Dennis Kibet placed 108th with a time of (1:24:42.40)

"It's great to see the team compete at Nationals and try to repeat the success that Coach Kiptoo brought last season," said Athletic Director Rory Kling. "We have entrusted Coach Sambu with training these guys this season and will continue to support him and the program as we run into the Indoor and Outdoor Track seasons. It might not have been the results they wanted, but a repeat National Championship is a hard feat to accomplish. They are ready to get started and looking to improve during the next semester."

With the 2023 Cross Country season over, Northwest Tech's long-distance runners will now prepare for the Indoor Track & Field season. The Maverick's first meet will be on January 12th at the Potts Open in Boulder, Colorado.