11/14/2026 4:30:00 PM | Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The 2026 cross country season will last another week for the freshman tandem of Shadrack Kipkurgat and Mercy Sergon, as the duo were selected to compete in the NCAA National Championship meet on Saturday afternoon.
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The NCAA Division I Cross Country Selection Show revealed that the pair had qualified for the national competition due to their impressive performances at the NCAA South Regional Championship in Tallahassee on Friday morning. The national championship meet is set for Nov. 21 in Terre Haute, Ind.
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Both runners placed 10th in their respective races, each being among the top four finishers not a part of the top two automatic qualifying teams (Alabama and Florida). Kipkurgat shattered the school record in the 10k, clocking a 29:34.0 time in his first collegiate 10k. Sergon shined as well, running a 19:57.9 in the women's 6k.
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The duo is Jax State's first USTFCCCA All-South Region selections in school history, while also being Jacksonville State's first national championship representatives and highest individual finishers at a regional championship as well.Â
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Additionally, their results helped both the men's and women's squads to the highest team finishes at regionals in program history. The men's unit placed 9th of 21 schools, along with the women's 13th place result out of 30 programs.
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The two Gamecocks will each run as individuals in a field of over 300 runners in each race, seeking to place in the top-40 to earn All-American honors.
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The NCAA Division I Cross Country Selection Show revealed that the pair had qualified for the national competition due to their impressive performances at the NCAA South Regional Championship in Tallahassee on Friday morning. The national championship meet is set for Nov. 21 in Terre Haute, Ind.
Â
Both runners placed 10th in their respective races, each being among the top four finishers not a part of the top two automatic qualifying teams (Alabama and Florida). Kipkurgat shattered the school record in the 10k, clocking a 29:34.0 time in his first collegiate 10k. Sergon shined as well, running a 19:57.9 in the women's 6k.
Â
The duo is Jax State's first USTFCCCA All-South Region selections in school history, while also being Jacksonville State's first national championship representatives and highest individual finishers at a regional championship as well.Â
Â
Additionally, their results helped both the men's and women's squads to the highest team finishes at regionals in program history. The men's unit placed 9th of 21 schools, along with the women's 13th place result out of 30 programs.
Â
The two Gamecocks will each run as individuals in a field of over 300 runners in each race, seeking to place in the top-40 to earn All-American honors.
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Players Mentioned
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Tuesday, November 10
Sunday, November 08
Tuesday, November 03
Friday, October 23
