Dallas – Following cross country’s opening week, Kennesaw State’s Collins Kipkemboi and Jacksonville State’s Nolan McGregor and Mercy Jebet have been selected as Conference USA’s first Athletes of the Week for the 2025 season.
Men’s Athlete of the Week – Collins Kipkemboi – Kennesaw State – JR – Eldoret, Kenya
For his first collegiate win, Collins Kipkemboi led the field at Kennesaw State’s home opener at Allatoona Creek Park. Kipkemboi crossed the finish line nearly 20 seconds faster than his competition, finishing in a time of 18:29.9. His efforts helped Kennesaw State secure a second-place team finish, just two points behind Georgia Tech.
Men’s Freshman of the Week – Nolan McGregor – Jax State – FR – Burlington, Ontario, Canada
In his first collegiate meet, Nolan McGregor was the second highest point scorer for Jax State, helping the Gamecocks to a team title over Auburn, Samford and others in the Foothills Invitational. McGregor finished eighth in the meet with a time of 15:08.61, just 11 seconds away from finishing as the top Gamecock in the meet. McGregor was the second-best finishing freshman in the meet, trailing just Auburn's Bryce McCleary, and helped Jax State to its second consecutive title in the Foothills Invitational.
Women’s Athlete & Freshman of the Week – Mercy Jebet – Jax State – FR – Eldoret, Kenya
In the first meet of her collegiate career, Mercy Jebet far exceeded expectations for Jax State. At the season opening Foothills Invitational, Jebet took home the individual race title, placing first with a 5K time of 17:23.31. Her time was not only good enough to earn first place but also set a new Jax State program record in the women's 5K. Jebet helped Jax State to a team finish of second place, finishing just behind Auburn.
2025 Men’s Athlete of the Week
S2 Collins KipKemboi, Kennesaw State
2025 Men’s Freshman of the Week
S2 Nolan McGregor, Jacksonville State
2025 Women’s Athlete of the Week
S2 Mercy Jebet, Jacksonville State
2025 Women’s Freshman of the Week
S2 Mercy Jebet, Jacksonville State