ACWORTH, Ga. — Sixteen members of the Kennesaw State men's and women's cross country teams competed at the Stan Sims Cross Country Opener on Friday morning at Allatoona Creek Park.

Both the KSU men's and women's teams finished second overall.

In the men's four-mile run, Collins Kipkemboi earned his first collegiate win with a time of 18:25.91. Edwin Kiprono finished second in 18:48.77, and Brian Limo placed third in 19:13.32. In his collegiate debut, Andrew Stricklin placed 16th with a time of 20:29.56. Matthew Hall rounded out the team's scoring with a 19th-place finish in 20:47.66.

The women were led by Madison Seiler, who placed third in the 5K with a time of 17:25.91. Emma Ferguson finished sixth in 17:54.44, followed by Samantha McGarity (17:58.31) in eighth and . Akshana (18:05.80) in ninth. Riley Perlakowski, making her KSU debut, placed 14th with a time of 18:24.94.
 

Quotable
Head coach Adam Bray

On the team's performance:
"I thought today was the perfect day and setting for our season opener. The weather was great, our teams competed well on the course, and we were able to broadcast our program to those who could not make it out this morning."

On Collins Kipkemboi and Madison Seiler:
"We had Collins win his first cross country race and Madison finish third in the women's race. We had an abundance of personal bests, and I'm really looking forward to how this season progresses. Big things are coming for this group!"
 

Next Up
Kennesaw State returns to action Sept. 12 at the Southern Showcase, hosted by Jacksonville State at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

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The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics. Its goal is to support student-athletes, coaches and all 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's athletic programs.Members receive exclusive benefits such as access to hospitality areas and events at home games. Learn more or join The Owls Fund here.