GALESBURG — After opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, the Carl Sandburg College men’s and women’s cross country teams are set to return to the course this weekend.
The Chargers open their season by hosting Knox and Sauk Valley in a triangular on Saturday at Sandburg. The women’s race begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the men’s race at 11:15 a.m.
RUNNERS TO WATCH
MEN
• Amos Kipkemoi (Kenya/Olbobo Secondary), sophomore — Transfer from Iowa Central
• Emmanuel Kiprop (Kenya/Kericho TEA Boys’ Secondary), freshman
• Brian Kipchemis (Kenya/Segero Adventist), freshman
WOMEN
• Kelynn Boyle (Amboy, Ill./Amboy), sophomore — Ran for Sauk Valley in 2019. Transferred to Sandburg in 2020 and was a member of the Chargers women’s basketball team last season.
• Faith Kiprop (Kenya/AIC Kessup Girls), freshman
• Mary Njeri Njuguna (Kenya/Turbo Girls Secondary), freshman
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR TEAM THIS SEASON?
Chargers coach Rodney Blue: “Both the men’s and women’s teams are loaded with talent and can take our cross country teams to the next level. They will be fun to watch!”
MEETS TO WATCH
• Inaugural Arrowhead Conference meet, Oct. 16 at Kishwaukee
• Region IV championships, Oct. 30 at Kishwaukee
RUNNING IT BACK
Blue’s staff includes three assistants who are Sandburg cross country alumni. Anastasia Beetler, a Galesburg High School graduate, ran for the Chargers in 2016 and 2018 and qualified for the national meet in both years. She’s joined by Andrea Gordon — also a two-time national qualifier — and Dylan Brooks, who both ran for Sandburg in 2015 and 2016.
THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF ...
Blue: “Both the men’s and women’s teams will compete well if we can stay healthy, run within ourselves and work together as a team.”
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM COACH BLUE
“These are the deepest teams I’ve had in my seven years as the head coach at Sandburg. We are looking forward to an awesome year, and I’m excited for the start of our season!”
2021 SANDBURG MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY ROSTER, SCHEDULE
2021 SANDBURG WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY ROSTER, SCHEDULE
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