Trojans Led by Kiprono and McIntyre at Gans Creek Classic
The Colby Community College men’s cross country team turned in a solid showing Friday at the Gans Creek Classic, highlighted by sophomores Jahpet Kiprono and Nadine McIntyre. Kiprono led the men to a ninth-place team finish in a field of 20, while McIntyre turned in a top-15 performance against a deep lineup of NCAA Division I and II programs.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Colby Community College men's cross country team turned in a solid showing Friday (Sept. 26) at the Gans Creek Classic, highlighted by sophomores Jahpet Kiprono and Nadine McIntyre. Kiprono led the men to a ninth-place team finish in a field of 20, while McIntyre turned in a top-15 performance against a deep lineup of NCAA Division I and II programs.
Sophomore Japhet Kiprono once again paced the Trojans with an impressive effort, placing 18th overall in the men's 8K with a time of 25:22.0. The performance marked a significant step forward, as he cut nearly 40 seconds off his season-opening mark from the Muthama-Rogers Invite. Kiprono stood out as one of the top junior college finishers in a field packed with NCAA Division I and II competition, including runners from programs such as Ohio State and Harding. He also ranked second individually among KJCCC competitors, reinforcing his role as one of the conference's top distance runners.
He was followed by Enoha Reizabal-Bellanger, who crossed in 26:16.5 for 48th. Freshman Alexandre LeRoy continued to build momentum, running 26:58.8 to place 100th, while sophomore Kenan Delestre was close behind in 103rd at 27:00.6. Rounding out the Trojans' top five was Andrew Berger, finishing in 29:19.5 for 125th.
On the women's side, sophomore Nadine McIntyre delivered another standout performance at the Gans Creek Classic, leading the Trojan women with a 15th-place individual finish in the 6K. She clocked a time of 22:32.9, a mark that showcased her steady improvement and ability to rise to big-race competition. McIntyre's effort placed her well ahead of numerous NCAA Division I and II athletes, including runners from Nebraska, Washburn, and Central Missouri. She also secured second place individually among KJCCC competitors, further establishing herself as one of the top runners in the conference.
While the Trojans did not register a team score with fewer than five competitors, three others gained valuable experience on the championship course. Kaylen McAtee clocked 31:43.6 for 223rd, followed by Antoinette Brungardt in 33:27.9 and Blanca Gallegos in 34:30.6.
The Trojans now shift their focus to the final tune-up of the regular season, the FHSU Tiger Open in Hays on Saturday (Oct. 11) before gearing up to host the regional championships later in October.
Final Colby Men's Results
Men's Open 8k
18th – Japhet Kiprono – 25:22.0
48th – Enoha Reizabal-Bellanger – 26.16.5
100th – Alexandre LeRoy – 26:58.8
103rd – Kenan Delestre – 27:00.6
125th – Andrew Berger – 29:19.5
128th – Thomas Calas - 29:24.1
198th – Edoney Russell – 29:51.6
229th – Dakotah Kotchuck – 33:32.5
Final Colby Women's Results
Women's Open 6k
15th – Nadine Mcintyre – 22:32.9
223rd – Kaylen McAtee – 31:43.6
226th – Antoinette Brungardt – 33:27.9
228th – Blanca Gallegos – 34:30.6