Mountaineers Hold Steady at No. 1 in Region, No. 7 Nationally in Latest USTFCCCA Poll
November 04, 2025 03:15 PM | Cross Country
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University cross country team holds steady at No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic Region and No. 7 nationally in this week's U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) rankings.
The Mountaineers maintain their position after a third place finish at the Big 12 Championship, where Joy Naukot, Mercy Kinyanjui and Emily Bryce each earned All-Big 12 honors.
"We knew coming into this meet that the top six teams all had a legitimate shot at being the top three in this meet," said WVU coach Sean Cleary, following the Friday's race. "I am pleased with how we executed this race plan and fought for every point to the line. We have a little room for improvement with this group over the next few weeks, we believe that we will see it."
Cleary credited the team's success to a balanced effort across the lineup and highlighted several key performances for the Mountaineers.
"Naukot ran another national class race at the front. She is rounding into top shape at the proper time of the season. The duo of Kinyanjui and Bryce were again outstanding in their back up roll to Naukots' front running. Lexi Lamb ran one of her greatest championship races to date, we expect to see her continue to improve. The remainder of the group, which was led by Anastasia Chepkorir were strong, but I know they can be even better as we head to the NCAA Regional Championship in two weeks."
West Virginia will be back in action in Bethlehem, Pa. at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Friday, Nov. 14.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUXCTF on X, Facebook and Instagram.
"We knew coming into this meet that the top six teams all had a legitimate shot at being the top three in this meet," said WVU coach Sean Cleary, following the Friday's race. "I am pleased with how we executed this race plan and fought for every point to the line. We have a little room for improvement with this group over the next few weeks, we believe that we will see it."
Cleary credited the team's success to a balanced effort across the lineup and highlighted several key performances for the Mountaineers.
"Naukot ran another national class race at the front. She is rounding into top shape at the proper time of the season. The duo of Kinyanjui and Bryce were again outstanding in their back up roll to Naukots' front running. Lexi Lamb ran one of her greatest championship races to date, we expect to see her continue to improve. The remainder of the group, which was led by Anastasia Chepkorir were strong, but I know they can be even better as we head to the NCAA Regional Championship in two weeks."
West Virginia will be back in action in Bethlehem, Pa. at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Friday, Nov. 14.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUXCTF on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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/ Cross Country
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/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
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