Coming off an impressive opening race, the Sandburg women’s cross country team earned a spot in the first national poll of the season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
The Chargers came in at No. 25 in the preseason rankings, garnering eight points in the poll released Wednesday by the USTFCCCA.
Sandburg edged fellow Region 4 program Moraine Valley by one point for the last spot in the top 25. Waubonsee (No. 22) joined the Chargers as the only other Region 4 squad in the national rankings. Mesa came in ranked No. 1, followed by Paradise Valley and Des Moines Area.
Sandburg opened its season Saturday by sweeping the top three spots at the Sauk Valley Early Season Opener in Dixon. Newcomer Joan Jepngetich won the 2-mile race, while sophomores Damaris Kimaiyo and Sharon Yego were second and third, respectively.
The Chargers’ next race is Sept. 20 at the Bradley Intercollegiate. Also, while not a part of Sandburg’s official cross country schedule, the school will host the inaugural Coach Rodney Blue Charitable Run at 8 a.m. Sept. 14 at the college in memory of the late Chargers cross country coach. Money raised will go toward the Coach Rodney Blue Cross Country Team Fund to support future Sandburg cross country student-athletes.
***Courtesy of Carl Sandburg College***
