Jackson State University’s men’s and women’s cross country teams opened their 2025 season at the MC Opener held at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, Mississippi, on Friday. Sophomore Godfrey Kimutai secured first place in the men’s 5k with a time of 15:28.16.
The women’s team finished fifth overall, surpassing several teams including Alcorn State, Grambling State, and Mississippi Valley. The men’s team placed seventh, finishing ahead of Grambling State, Mississippi Valley State, Belhaven, and Tougaloo.
Kimutai built on his freshman year achievements—he was previously named SWAC Most Outstanding Track Performer of the Year—by winning the men’s 5k event. “Kimutai continued his momentum from his successful freshman year, where he won SWAC Most Outstanding Track Performer of the Year, by winning the men’s 5k,” according to meet notes provided by Jackson State University.
For Jackson State’s men’s team results: Malvin Boen placed 37th (17:07.45), Ber’Narjay Jackson finished 71st (18:42.32), Derrick Eskridge took 84th (19:31.78), and Dominic Turner came in at 95th (20:09.95).
On the women’s side, Lorine Jelegat led her squad with a 24th-place finish in her debut as a Tiger (21:22.04). Other JSU finishers included Amara Hawkins-Quinones (37th – 22:24.38), Karina Griffin (40th – 22:37.24), Kaylin Jackson (46th – 23:07.39), Xhamani Thompson (57th – 24:53.38), and Derriana Moss (88th – 30:56.04).
“Jelagat placed 24th in her first competition as a Tiger, leading the women’s team for the Tigers,” stated meet notes.
The women’s fifth-place finish marked an improvement over last year’s performance at this event.
“The women’s top-five finish was an improvement over last year’s competition,” according to information released after the meet.
Jackson State will next compete at the Nicholls XC Invitational in Thibodaux, Louisiana on Saturday, September 27.
For more information about Jackson State athletics or to follow upcoming events and updates about its teams, visit GoJSUTigers.com or follow @GoJSUTigers on Instagram and Twitter.
