RUSTON, La. – Freshman runner Benadine Chelimo, making her collegiate debut for the ULM women's cross country team as an unattached participant in the Mook 4 Invitational, earned first place in the individual race after posting a time of 14:18.5. That performance allowed her to edge out teammate and second-place overall finisher Edith Jebet who crossed the line in 15:25.5.
"Benadine Chelimo took control of the race from the start and won by over a minute," said assistant coach for cross country and distance Gabriella Gaudreault. "She had an incredible race for her season opener, and competed very confidently. She is going to be very successful this year, and she started off on a great note."
While Chelimo's finish did not provide ULM with any points, the Warhawk women finished fourth overall in the event with three Top-10 finishers, including Kaye-Loni Bowden, who was 10th in a time of 15:25.5. Fifth-year runner Angela Jepchirchir narrowly missed a Top-10 outing, placing 12th with a mark of 16:57.9.
"Edith Jebet had a 30-second personal best on this course, and took the runner up spot at the meet," Gaudreault said. "Kaye-Loni Bowden had an impressive race as well, finishing as our third runner and over a 60-second improvement from our season opener."
Eight Warhawks took part in the event, including Alison Tyler, who capped off her second race of the season in a time of 18:44.3 to finish in 31st. Rebekka Schubert, who placed 35th, was also part of the team participants with a time of 19:57.1. Alexus Robertson finished in 39th following a time of 24:47.0.
ULM ran a combined team time of 1:27.37, while the top team at the event, Jackson State, closed at 1:21.53. Second place belonged to Northwestern State (1:26.33) and third was host Louisiana Tech (1:26.21).
The ULM men's unit, which garnered a second-place finish in the 8k race, was led by the tandem of Kiprotich Mitei (21:13.8) and Gregor Findlay (21:20.9), who placed fourth and seventh, respectively. Eric Hawkins enjoyed the third-best time for the Warhawks, crossing the line 14th in a time of 22:22.3, while Gabriel Wilcox (23:16.7) provided ULM with the fourth Top-20 finisher at 19th.
"Vincent Mitei and Gregor Findlay were exceptional today, as they both battled with the front pack of runners the whole race," Gaudreault said.
Jaylen Wade, taking part in his second race of the season, had his best individual finish (22nd), following a time of 23:42.4. Teammate Adrian Harris was close behind, in 26th, as he logged a time of 24:37.9.
The remaining two Warhawks in the event were Victor Kipkirui (24:50.4) and Allen Mire (24:50.4), who finished in 27th and 35th, respectively.
"I was very happy with the overall effort from the men and women today," Gaudreault said. "There were a lot of breakthrough performances on both sides. Both the men and women are training very well, and it was evident in their respective races today as they were able to endure racing on a challenging course. I think the team was successful in running closer together and closing the time spread between our top five on both sides. Almost everyone improved in some way today, and I'm looking forward to building on today's success for our next meet."
The Warhawks will return to the course in three weeks when they head to Fayetteville, Ark., to compete in the Chile Pepper Festival hosted by Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 5.
ULM-Only Women's Finishers
ULM-Only Men's Finishers
