Norfolk State Cross Country Eyes MEAC Titles, Regional Success in 2025 Season

The Norfolk State cross country team enters the 2025 season with a mix of new faces, experienced returners, and championship expectations on both the men’s and women’s side. 

The Spartans open competition on Aug. 30 at Maryland Eastern Shore, beginning a slate that once again features several trips to the University of Virginia before postseason competition.

The men’s squad will look to reload, following the loss of three of its top runners, including regional standout Gideon Siegi, consistent scorer Victor Jumo, and dependable veteran Raphael Kitur. The program also saw former distance coach Reagan Kimtai depart to South Carolina State, leaving NSU to fill several key roles.

Even with the turnover, director of track and field programs Kenneth Giles believes the talent in place can push the program forward.

“We lost a lot last year, but I think on paper we look good,” Giles said. “This team was built for regional success. We finished 12th in the Southeast Region last year, and if our fifth runner had been right behind Victor, we would’ve been in the top six. Cracking the top 10 is realistic this year.”

Leading the group is sophomore Brian Roich, the reigning MEAC runner-up who also owns the school’s indoor 5,000-meter record. The Spartans also add last year’s MEAC Outdoor Most Outstanding Runner Lewis Too to the cross-country roster this fall.  NSU bolstered the lineup with two impact transfers: Matthew Kipkoech, a sophomore from El Paso Community College with an 8K best of 23:43.40, and Ian Kimutai, a Division II transfer from Edward Waters.

Freshman Jamel Green and Nimporembere Drogba look to make an immediate impact on the Spartans’ roster, following successful high school careers. Returner Basil Koech is also expected to make a leap after a strong summer of training.

NSU’s schedule once again runs through Charlottesville, with early meets at UVA setting the tone for the Southeast Regional Championship. The Spartans will also compete at East Carolina and the Panorama Farms Invitational in mid-October, a pre-regional showcase meet.

“East Carolina is always the meet that tells us where we are,” Giles said. “By then, we’ll have our base in, and it’s time to see how we stack up. We’re gunning for a top-five regional finish, but we have to take one meet at a time and not look past the conference championship.”

The women’s team also experienced major turnover, losing All-MEAC standout Mercyline Kimaiyo to graduation, along with top contributors Yvone Sandui and Leanna Lewis to the transfer portal. All-conference performer Emani Thompson also graduated.

Despite those departures, Giles remains confident in a top-heavy roster that can contend immediately.

“We lost some big names, but we still have our core,” Giles said. “The women’s program is built for conference supremacy, and I think we’re in good shape.”

The return of Abigael Chebet, Sonia Koech, and Jahmei Wyatt gives the Spartans a strong foundation. Wyatt, sidelined last year with an injury, is expected to be a key contributor this fall. Transfers Danielle King from Wofford and Moamiky Kenneh from St. Joseph’s will provide depth, while sophomore Amira Dailey looks primed for a breakout after gaining experience in her collegiate debut last season.

“We’ll be top-heavy, but I expect Amira and our transfers to fill that fifth-runner spot,” Giles said. “If that happens, we’ll be right where we need to be.”

For the women, the focus remains on reclaiming the MEAC title and using that momentum to fuel the indoor and outdoor track seasons.

Both squads understand the weight of expectation, but Giles emphasized the importance of discipline and focus.

“We can’t overlook the conference championship because we always have a target on our back,” Giles said. “We need to establish dominance in the MEAC first, then take care of business at the regional level. If we do that, both teams will be in great shape.”

Norfolk State begins the 2025 cross country season on Aug. 30 at Maryland Eastern Shore, before turning to a challenging slate designed to prepare the Spartans for MEAC titles and postseason success.