DOVER, Del. – The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Women’s Cross Country team won their fourth straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship Oct. 31, becoming the third school in league history to do so.
FAMU, which has now won the last four titles (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), joins Delaware State (1984-87) and Coppin State (Md.) (1991-94) as the only schools to win four consecutive titles.
Coach Darlene Moore’s Orange and Green team was led by senior Cynthia Chelelgo, who finished first overall with a time of 17 minutes, 49.60 seconds, followed by sophomore Judith Kibii, who ran second in 17:53.90.
“I am extremely proud of the way our young ladies performed, not just today, but the entire season. We’ve worked really hard all year to get to this point, and I couldn’t be happier,” Moore said.
She added, “FAMU was always my dream job and to be able to guide these young ladies to make FAMU history is all I could ask for.”
FAMU placed five runners in the top eight overall, with senior QuanDra Shanks (18:30.90) getting fifth; senior Effiey Kosgei (18:46.60) finishing sixth, and sophomore Fridah Limo (18:47.90) getting eighth.
Also competing for FAMU’s victorious crew were Caroline Kiplagat (19:22.50); Emmaculate Kiplagat (19:36.40); Nicole Kvitkaukas (19:39.20); Destiny Johnson (20:45.10) and April Polite (21:20.00).
Finishing in the top five teamwise behind FAMU were Maryland-Eastern Shore, Hampton, Bethune-Cookman, and Morgan State.
FAMU’s Cynthia Chelelgo was named “Outstanding Performer,” while Coach Moore was named “Outstanding Coach.”