VIC Distance Relay and Chepsiror Win at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC -- Virginia Intermont's distance medley relay team blew away the competition at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill's Carolina Classic on the weekend while freshman Elkana Chepsiror took the 800-meter title. The distance medley relay team composed of Corey Duquette (1200-3:06), Ray Williams (400-49.54), Elkana Chepsiror (800-1:53.97) and David Cheromei (1600-4:13) easily outdistanced runner-up William and Mary 10:03.61 to 10:10.85 to win and set the fastest NAIA time of the season.

Chepsiror, along with his teammates, doubled back in the relay after open races. Chepsiror opened up an impressive kick to win the 800-meters by over two seconds in 1:52.08. In the open mile, VIC's Fernando Cabada surged to the lead going for the win, but barely got out-leaned at the line by professional Nicholas Kurgut. Cabada's mark of 4:06.39 claims stake to the fastest time in the NAIA this season, making him the leader of all distance events including the 3k and 5k. Duquette finished third in 4:11.55 with Cheromei just behind in 4:12.51.

Ray Williams finished seventh in the 200-meters with a provisional time of 22.35, while Russell Neff narrowly missed the automatic in the 3k with his 8:48.29. Also running a provisional mark was Nick Glimsdahl in 8:53.77.

Renata Volf raced strongly in the mile finishing 6th. Her time of 5:10.12 improves upon her national qualifying mark putting her in the top 10. Christina Davis, trying her hand at the 200m, earned a provisional qualifying mark with her time of 26.54 seconds.