The University of Akron Athletics
Friday, October 30
Kalamazoo, Mich.
11 a.m. (Women's) / 12 p.m. (Men's)
University of Akron
vs
Mid-American Conference Championships
Mercy Jebitok became the third Zip to ever win a MAC cross country crown.
October 30 | Cross Country
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Coming into the 2026 MAC Cross Country Championships, Akron head cross country coach Tim Servis wanted to see the consistent improvement from both teams that they have showed all season long.
On a cool and crisp 50-degree day at The Prairies Golf Club, the Zips did just that as the women's team took fourth (110 points) after finishing ninth in 2025 and the men's team tied for fourth with Eastern Michigan (117 points).
It was the women's best finish since 2021 when they took third.
"I saw a lot of heart and dedication," Servis said. "Both teams went out there and gave it their all. All in all, they're setting the foundation for the future, and they are headed in the right direction."
Mercy Jebitok won the women's 6K in a new personal best time of 19:19.9, becoming just the third Akron runner to ever win an individual crown at the MAC Championships and first since Beata Rudzinska in 2005. Megan Hipple wasn't too far behind, finishing fourth in a personal-best mark of 19:30.9.
Both became the first Akron duo to earn first-team All-MAC honors since 2019 and were one of six runners to finish in under 20 minutes.
"Those two ladies are extremely hard working and good character athletes," Servis said. "To be able to work with them and see them grow and mature as strong athletes is the best feeling for a coach, and that's what it's all about. I couldn't be prouder in their progress and all they've done for our program."
Despite battling an injury, Abigael Kiplagat took 34th in a time of 21:21.6, while Kayla Sucharski was 38th (21:28.7).
Kennedy Schlessman finished in 41st (21:33.5) to round out the scorers. Madeline Grant (58th, 21:56.2), Fiona Battle (90th, 22:58.6) and Addison Ranly (102nd, 23:22.2) were the remaining Akron competitors.
Each Zip except Kiplagat earned a personal best time, as they finished behind champion Toledo (25 points), UMass (97) and Bowling Green (101).
On the men's side, Noah Nyageo and Titus Kirui each earned first-team All-MAC honors with top seven performances.
Nyageo was fifth (23:51.5), while Kirui placed sixth (23:56.8).
"They've been consistent across the board," Servis said. The competition was really good, as the MAC has been improving across the board. It was nice to see them in the mix and be able to compete with the best out there."
Majid Abuaun finished 22nd (24:44.0), while Emil Stanford (39th, 25:11.5) and Quinn Hopkins (48th, 25:26.6) each hit PRs.
Brody Bauman (68th, 26:13.4), Vincent Lightle (70th, 26:17.2) and Rowan Smith (77th, 26:32.5) rounded out the rest of the Zips.
Toledo won (21 points) and was followed by Miami (66) and UMass (98).
Servis and the rest of the Zips know what is ahead at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional meet, featuring a combined five teams that are nationally ranked and the rest of the ultra-competitive MAC.
However, the key principle always remains the same.
"The name of the game is improvement especially towards the end of the season when it matters most," Servis said. "We've been seeing a lot of improvement throughout the season, especially today. There's no telling where we could be in two weeks, but I think that they're ready to give their best performances and represent Akron very well at regionals."
Up Next
Akron will compete at NCAA Great Lakes Regionals on Friday, November 13 at Forst Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State.
On a cool and crisp 50-degree day at The Prairies Golf Club, the Zips did just that as the women's team took fourth (110 points) after finishing ninth in 2025 and the men's team tied for fourth with Eastern Michigan (117 points).
It was the women's best finish since 2021 when they took third.
"I saw a lot of heart and dedication," Servis said. "Both teams went out there and gave it their all. All in all, they're setting the foundation for the future, and they are headed in the right direction."
Mercy Jebitok won the women's 6K in a new personal best time of 19:19.9, becoming just the third Akron runner to ever win an individual crown at the MAC Championships and first since Beata Rudzinska in 2005. Megan Hipple wasn't too far behind, finishing fourth in a personal-best mark of 19:30.9.
Both became the first Akron duo to earn first-team All-MAC honors since 2019 and were one of six runners to finish in under 20 minutes.
"Those two ladies are extremely hard working and good character athletes," Servis said. "To be able to work with them and see them grow and mature as strong athletes is the best feeling for a coach, and that's what it's all about. I couldn't be prouder in their progress and all they've done for our program."
Despite battling an injury, Abigael Kiplagat took 34th in a time of 21:21.6, while Kayla Sucharski was 38th (21:28.7).
Kennedy Schlessman finished in 41st (21:33.5) to round out the scorers. Madeline Grant (58th, 21:56.2), Fiona Battle (90th, 22:58.6) and Addison Ranly (102nd, 23:22.2) were the remaining Akron competitors.
Each Zip except Kiplagat earned a personal best time, as they finished behind champion Toledo (25 points), UMass (97) and Bowling Green (101).
On the men's side, Noah Nyageo and Titus Kirui each earned first-team All-MAC honors with top seven performances.
Nyageo was fifth (23:51.5), while Kirui placed sixth (23:56.8).
"They've been consistent across the board," Servis said. The competition was really good, as the MAC has been improving across the board. It was nice to see them in the mix and be able to compete with the best out there."
Majid Abuaun finished 22nd (24:44.0), while Emil Stanford (39th, 25:11.5) and Quinn Hopkins (48th, 25:26.6) each hit PRs.
Brody Bauman (68th, 26:13.4), Vincent Lightle (70th, 26:17.2) and Rowan Smith (77th, 26:32.5) rounded out the rest of the Zips.
Toledo won (21 points) and was followed by Miami (66) and UMass (98).
Servis and the rest of the Zips know what is ahead at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional meet, featuring a combined five teams that are nationally ranked and the rest of the ultra-competitive MAC.
However, the key principle always remains the same.
"The name of the game is improvement especially towards the end of the season when it matters most," Servis said. "We've been seeing a lot of improvement throughout the season, especially today. There's no telling where we could be in two weeks, but I think that they're ready to give their best performances and represent Akron very well at regionals."
Up Next
Akron will compete at NCAA Great Lakes Regionals on Friday, November 13 at Forst Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State.
Players Mentioned
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 22
