JOPLIN, Missouri – The East Central University cross country program turned in impressive performances at the NCAA Division II Central Region Championships, hosted by Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri as the men's claimed back-to-back regional titles with a first-place finish.

The Tigers have previously claimed second place in 2011 and 2015, but this marks ECU's second consecutive regional championship – a rare achievement, with Henderson State University's women's golf being the only other program to accomplish this feat across all sports in the GAC, winning three consecutive regional titles from 2022 to 2024.

ECU secured the top spot with 71 total points, edging out Northwest Missouri who finished second with 76 points. Pittsburg State placed third with 103 points, and Washburn, Nebraska-Kearney, and Harding followed in a tight pack, separated by just one point each, finishing with 175, 176, and 177 points, respectively.

Despite battling injuries throughout the season, ECU's depth remained a key strength, as their top five scoring runners all finished within striking distance in the top-20.

Melvin Kipkemboi led ECU this year with a 10th-place finish in a time of 30:47.07, improving on his performance from last year's regional meet. Brian Mitei followed in 13th (30:53.30) for his first Central Region representing ECU, while Paul Korir placed 15th (30:53.98), Amos Pkiach took 16th (30:58.98), and reigning Central Region Champion Peter Kipkemboi finished 17th (31:01.91).

Oliver Kiptoo and Michael Iyali also contributed to the Tigers' strong showing, with 18th and 24th place finishes at 31:02.31 and 31:22.41, respectively.

Notably, all seven of ECU's runners earned All-Region honors from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. This extraordinary achievement marks the first time in program history that all seven runners received such a recognition, surpassing last year's total of six honorees.

"The men's race was a complete team victory," Head Coach Steve Sawyer said. "From 1-7 it took every one of them to squeeze out the win. Northwest Missouri and Pittsburg State were tough! They both got a huge lead on us through their top three runners. We had to battle back after being in third place at the half way point. Our team ran together today and trusted in one another and that was the difference."

GAC Runner of the Year Josphat Meli, from Harding, made Bison history with a fourth-place finish in 30:27.05, the highest ever by a Harding runner at the NCAA Division II Central Region Meet. Meli's performance also represented the highest by a Bison since Daniel Kirwa won the 2010 South Region Meet. With his top-five finish, Meli qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championship meet.

ECU and Meli will now prepare for the NCAA Division II National Championships meet in Sacramento, California on Saturday, Nov. 23. The Tigers finished third a year ago.