NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 11, 2023 — Norfolk State junior Gidion Sigei was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference office announced October 11. Norfolk State junior Mercyline Kimaiyo was named Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week. 
 
Sigei won the men’s individual title at the Cedric Walker HBCU XC Invitational, completing the 8K course in 24 minutes, 15.9 seconds, running a season best and helping the Spartans claim the team title as well. Sigei placed 1st out of 84 runners that competed in the course finishing just ahead of teammates Kitur and Rotich in second and third respectively.  
 
Kimaiyo paced the Spartans in the women’s 5K run at the Cedric Walker HBCU XC Invitational, running an 18:51.6 time. The run time was Kimaiyo’s best time of the season as she led the Spartans, placing 1st out of 83 student-athletes. Her performance helped the Spartans claim the team title ahead of Fayetteville State and N.C. A&T.  
 
Other Top Performers 
Nahom Ftwi (Maryland Eastern Shore) ran a 26:12.0 to finish 12th in the NJIT Highlander Invitational as the Hawks finished sixth out of 29 teams. 

Laderique McNeill (North Carolina Central) ran a season-best 26:02.5 time at the Cedric Walker HBCU XC Invitational. McNeill finished seventh as the Eagles finished third as a team. 

Abigail Fisher (Morgan State) placed 11th with a season0best time of 19:29.8 at the NJIT Highlander Challenge. Morgan State finished ninth as a team.  

Laila Jackson (North Carolina Central) finished seventh at the Cedric Walker HBCU XC Invitational, completing the course in 19:34.7. The time was a new personal best for the sophomore runner.