Lee indoor track runner Emmanuel Kipchumba has been named a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Student-Athlete of the Week after his showing at the Emory Crossplex Invitational in Birmingham, Ala. on Sunday.
Kipchumba was Lee's top finisher with a first-place time in the 800 meter run. The junior from Iten, Kenya recorded a time of 1:54.82, which was the top time reported to the NCCAA this season.
Kipchumba also made his presence felt on the distance medley relay team as he joined teammates, Adam Gullette, Rick Barry and Harold Smith to give the Flames a third place finish. The foursome ended with a time of 10:23.55.
"Our men's distance medley relay ran a very good performance despite the whole team running on tired legs. Kipchumba ran 1:53.5 on the 800 meter leg and Smith had a 4:21 on the mile," said Lee head coach Caleb Morgan.
As a team the Flames placed seventh out of 25 teams. Lee recorded 41 points to tie Tennessee Wesleyan. Lipscomb University was first with 92 points and Emory University was second with 70.50 points. Gulf South Conference foes Alabama Huntsville were ninth (40.50), Spring Hill was 12th (29) and Mississippi College finished 16th (eight).Â
"This was a big weekend for us," noted Morgan. "Everyone improved a significant amount on their performances from just a week ago."
Kipchumba and the Flames will return to the Birmingham Crossplex on Feb. 6-7 for the Samford Invitational. The trip will be the final event before the NCCAA Indoor Nationals on Feb. 20-21.
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