PRINCESS ANNE, Md. --- The Norfolk State men's cross-country team opened its season strong by winning the UMES Opener Saturday morning.
 
Norfolk State won the event after runners finished 1-2-3-4-15. The Spartans finished with 25 points followed by Fairleigh Dickinson (49), Delaware State (56), Maryland-Eastern Shore (87).
 
Raphael Kitur won the meet by posting a time of 15:44.80.  Teammate Gidion Sigei took second just seconds after with a time of 15:50.87.
 
Senior Brian Rotich took third, completing the course in 15:51.73 while Victor Jumo took fourth, clocking in at 15:52.20. Basil Koech (17:42.52) rounded out the Spartans' five scores, placing 15th.
 
Norfolk State now has two weeks to prepare for the Virginia Invitational on Sep. 14, in Earlysville, Virginia.
 
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