SCC Cross Country Runner Takes Home First Place at Nationals

Published: 11/03/2019

In one of the largest NJCAA Division III cross country meets of all time, St. Charles Community College student-athlete Edwin Kipainoi (pictured above) beat 200 other runners from across the country to capture the individual national championship on November 2 in Westfield, Mass.!

It’s been an incredible year for Kipainoi. In October, the international student from Kajiado, Kenya won the Division III Regional XVI Championship. This season, he has been recognized nationally three times as the National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and once as the NJCAA Male Runner of the Week. Because of his recent win at nationals, he can now add “First Team All-American” status to the list.

“Edwin is a special athlete,” said Tim Brix, St. Charles Community College athletic director. “He has dedicated himself to this first-year team in every way. We are extremely proud of what he has accomplished.”

Also at the national championship competition, SCC student-athlete Audrey Kelly (pictured above) took home fourth place in the women’s race. She was only 11 seconds behind the first-place runner.

“Audrey had an impressive win at the regional meet,” said Brix. “Her time put her as one of the fastest runners in Division III. She’s truly had an outstanding year.”

Kelly was named National Athlete of the Week by the USTFCCCA this season, and can also now call herself a “First Team All-American” athlete after nationals.

“We are very proud of our cross country team and all of the hard work they have put into this season,” said Brix. “For a first-year program to succeed at this level is very impressive.”

The Cougars have been nationally ranked as a team four times this season. 

Also at the national competition, Hannah DeGraw placed 22nd out of 121 runners in the women’s race. In the men’s race, Todd Wollin placed 53rd, Ethan Lobdell placed 81st, Tommy Campbell paced 105th and Jordan Carter placed 159th. Check out the men's results and the women's results.