Colby Cross Country Men's and Women's sweep KJCCC and Region VI Titles

IOLA, Kan. - Both men's and women's cross-country programs emerged victorious at the 2023 Region VI and KJCCC Championships.

The men began the day with a strong performance, placing four athletes in the top six and all five scoring athletes in the top 10. Kgadi Monyebodi led the way, winning the individual title in a time of 23:35.4. Mohammed Baghati (3rd), Sibonelo Khumalo (5th), Leandre Lahalle (6th), and Gift Mashilo (10th) were the All-Region performers. They scored a total of 25 points. Second place was Cowley with 78, and third was Butler with 97. This was the third consecutive regional title for the men's program. Coach Brady Johnson was named Jayhawk Conference Coach of the Year for the men.

The women followed the men's strong performance with one of their own. The Trojan women had three in the top five and all five runners in the top 15 to earn All-Region honors. Elif Poyraz was the individual champion on the women's side with a time of 18:28.2. Rosemary Arthur (3rd), Nonhlanhla Mabuza (5th), Tara Bert (11th), and Asli Atan (14th) rounded out the scoring five giving the Trojans 34 team points. They were followed by defending champion Hutchinson with 69 and Cowley with 80 points. This was the first region title for the women since 2017. 

The combined team championships were the first for the cross-country program as an NJCAA Division I program. The Trojans last swept the team titles as D2 programs in 1998. 

The fourth-ranked men's and women's programs will compete at the NJCAA National Championships in Huntsville, AL on November 11.