Norfolk State Claims Fifth Straight MEAC Men’s Cross Country Title; N.C. Central’s Meshack Kuyo Sets Championship Record

MYRNA, Del. (Nov. 2, 2024) – Norfolk State University’s men’s cross-country team continued its dynasty on Saturday at the MEAC Men’s Cross Country Championship, securing its fifth consecutive title and 17th overall. With four runners finishing in the top five, the Spartans demonstrated their enduring strength on the course, tallying a team score of 27 points and sealing another victory under the guidance of Outstanding Coach Kenneth Giles.

North Carolina Central’s Meshack Kuyo delivered the individual performance of the day, blazing through the Delaware State Outreach & Research Center’s course with a record-breaking time of 23:18.2 to win the individual gold. His exceptional run earned him the Outstanding Performer honor and set the pace for an exciting championship race.

HBCU Original captured all the action as Norfolk State’s top finishers lined up close behind Kuyo. Brian Rotich led the Spartan charge with a 23:34.6 finish for second place, with teammates Raphael Kitur (23:59.9), Victor Jumo (24:18.8), and Gidion Sigei (24:20.4) rounding out the top five and securing the team title for Norfolk State.

The Spartans’ nearest competition came from North Carolina Central, who claimed the runner-up spot with 59 points. Kuyo’s gold-medal performance was complemented by a strong showing from Emmanuel Paddyfote, who placed eighth with a time of 25:24.0, showcasing NCCU’s emerging talent.

Delaware State took third place with 67 points, led by an impressive sixth-place finish from Marian Drazan at 24:31.6. Teammates Devin Smith and Jonathan Drew also contributed to the Hornets’ top-ten representation, finishing ninth and tenth, respectively, and adding crucial points for their team.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s Jalen Ridgeway was another standout, placing seventh with a time of 25:15.3. Morgan State and Howard also had top-15 finishers, earning All-MEAC honors and adding to a competitive field in Smyrna.

As Norfolk State celebrated yet another championship under Coach Giles, HBCU Original was on-site, documenting each stride, sprint, and victory for fans across the HBCU community. With record-setting performances and tenacious competition, this year’s MEAC Men’s Cross Country Championship proved that the future of HBCU athletics is bright and filled with promise.

All-MEAC Honors were awarded to the top 15 runners, commemorating an elite group of competitors who pushed the pace and showcased the best of MEAC athletics.

• Outstanding Performer: Meshack Kuyo, North Carolina Central
• Outstanding Coach: Kenneth Giles, Norfolk State

All-MEAC Team:

• Meshack Kuyo (North Carolina Central)
• Brian Rotich (Norfolk State)
• Raphael Kitur (Norfolk State)
• Victor Jumo (Norfolk State)
• Gidion Sigei (Norfolk State)
• Marian Drazan (Delaware State)
• Jalen Ridgeway (Maryland Eastern Shore)
• Emmanuel Paddyfote (North Carolina Central)
• Devin Smith (Delaware State)
• Jonathan Drew (Delaware State)
• Evans Kimutai (North Carolina Central)
• Perry Bennett (Morgan State)
• Basil Koech (Norfolk State)
• William Shepherd (Howard)
• Caleb Mincey (Morgan State)

As the season concludes, Norfolk State’s men’s cross-country team stands tall, continuing its legacy as the powerhouse of the MEAC. With electrifying performances and dedicated athletes like Kuyo and Rotich, HBCU cross-country fans can expect more record-breaking moments in seasons to come.