Friday, October 16
Florence, Ala.
8K | 8:00 AM
Jax State
vs
Kennemer Classic
Cross Country Preps for Kennemer Classic
10/15/2026 1:46:00 PM | Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – With just one regular season meet left before the Conference USA Championship, the Jax State Cross Country program will remain in-state Friday morning for the Kennemer Classic at McFarland Park, hosted by UNA in Florence, Ala.
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The men's race will kick off the morning slate, with the 8k beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the women's 5k at 8:45 a.m.
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Jax State is coming off a commanding performance last weekend at the FSU Invitational, as the men's squad earned the team title against 11 other programs, including the hosting Seminoles, paired with the women's unit who garnered a runner-up finish against 15 other schools.
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The Gamecock men's team controlled the entirety of the podium as Shadrack Kipkurgat, Mark Roper and Linus Chepkochei placed first, second and third, respectively. For his impressive effort in Tallahassee, Kipkurgat earned his first Conference USA Athlete of the Week award and third CUSA Freshman of the Week honor this season.
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On the women's side, standout freshman Mercy Sergon led the way for the Gamecocks, winning her second meet of the year with a 20:53.5 6k time. Her result was the third-fastest time in program history and helped her case to be named Conference USA Athlete of the Week and CUSA Freshman of the Week as well. Trailing just behind Sergon with a second-place finish was sophomore Viola Jepleting as well, adding to the tally of top three overall finishes of the weekend.
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Between both races, Jacksonville State was responsible for a combined seven runners finishing in the top ten of their respective races (four men, three women).
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Jax State remains as a ranked program in USTFCCCA South Region, with the men's team holding onto its No. 11 spot in this week's rankings and the women's squad retaining its No. 14 position.
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Following Friday's contest, the Gamecocks will eye the postseason as the Conference USA Championship is set for Oct. 31 in Huntsville, Ala.
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The men's race will kick off the morning slate, with the 8k beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the women's 5k at 8:45 a.m.
Â
Jax State is coming off a commanding performance last weekend at the FSU Invitational, as the men's squad earned the team title against 11 other programs, including the hosting Seminoles, paired with the women's unit who garnered a runner-up finish against 15 other schools.
Â
The Gamecock men's team controlled the entirety of the podium as Shadrack Kipkurgat, Mark Roper and Linus Chepkochei placed first, second and third, respectively. For his impressive effort in Tallahassee, Kipkurgat earned his first Conference USA Athlete of the Week award and third CUSA Freshman of the Week honor this season.
Â
On the women's side, standout freshman Mercy Sergon led the way for the Gamecocks, winning her second meet of the year with a 20:53.5 6k time. Her result was the third-fastest time in program history and helped her case to be named Conference USA Athlete of the Week and CUSA Freshman of the Week as well. Trailing just behind Sergon with a second-place finish was sophomore Viola Jepleting as well, adding to the tally of top three overall finishes of the weekend.
Â
Between both races, Jacksonville State was responsible for a combined seven runners finishing in the top ten of their respective races (four men, three women).
Â
Jax State remains as a ranked program in USTFCCCA South Region, with the men's team holding onto its No. 11 spot in this week's rankings and the women's squad retaining its No. 14 position.
Â
Following Friday's contest, the Gamecocks will eye the postseason as the Conference USA Championship is set for Oct. 31 in Huntsville, Ala.
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Players Mentioned
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Wednesday, October 14
Friday, October 09
Friday, October 02
Sunday, September 27
