JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Eastern Kentucky University men's and women's cross-country teams pulled in accolades as the ASUN Conference announced its Preseason Runners of the Year and Coaches Poll.
 
On the men's side, Justine Kipkoech was named the league's Men's Preseason Runner of the Year while the men were picked to finish first in the Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
The Colonels enter the 2025 season as three-time defending champions in the ASUN and received all 12 first place votes earning 144 points followed by Lipscomb at 124.
 
Kipkoech was a standout in 2024 highlighted by taking third at NCAA at Wisconsin Pre-Nationals in a time of 22:41.8 on the 8K men's championship course in just his second race ever as a Colonel.
 
For the women, the Colonels are picked to finish second in the coaches poll tying with North Florida at 125 points, but receiving two of the possible 12 first place votes.
 
Lipscomb was picked to finish first with 142 points and 10 first place votes.
 
Chelulei prepares for her first season of cross-country at EKU after joining the Colonels ahead of the 2025 track season.
 
Last spring the Kenyan native became the first member of the women's team to qualify for the National Championships in the 5,000m and 10,000m shattering school records on her way to do so including a staggering time of 32:22.80 at Raleigh Relays in the 10K.
 
The cross-country programs begin their seasons on Aug. 29 for the EKU Invitational.
 
Men's Preseason Coaches Poll
Pl. Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. EKU (12) 144
2. Lipscomb 124
2. North Florida 124
4. Bellarmine 106
5. North Alabama 90
6. Central Arkansas 79
7. Queens 74
8. FGCU 60
9. Stetson 54
10. West Georgia 38
11. Jacksonville 25
12. Austin Peay 18
 
 
Women's Preseason Coaches Poll
Pl. Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. Lipscomb (10) 142
2. EKU (2) 125
2. North Florida 125
4. Central Arkansas 107
5. FGCU 87
6. Bellarmine 79
7. Queens 68
8. North Alabama 67
9. Jacksonville 45
10. Austin Peay 37
11. Stetson 36
12. West Georgia 18