Hutchinson men's cross country climbs to No. 2 in national rankings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men's cross country team matched its highest national ranking in program history Wednesday, climbing to No. 2 in the latest United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NJCAA Division I poll.

The Blue Dragons jumped two spots from their No. 4 ranking in the first regular-season poll two weeks ago, earning 237 points. Iowa Western remained atop the rankings with 250 points, while Iowa Central dropped to No. 3 with 228 points.

Hutchinson last held the No. 2 ranking on Sept. 23, 2020. The program has now been ranked in 16 consecutive polls, second only to its record streak of 18 straight polls from 2018 to 2020.

The Blue Dragons have posted two team victories this season, winning the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic on Aug. 30 and the Missouri Southern Stampede on Sept. 20. Sophomore Cornelius Kogo captured the individual title at the Masterson, while sophomore Titus Kiprotich won the MSSU Stampede.

Hutchinson placed five runners in the top 10 at the Masterson and three in the top 10 at the Stampede.

The Blue Dragons lead seven ranked Jayhawk Conference teams. Butler is tied for sixth, Garden City sits at No. 12 and Colby is No. 13. Dodge City, Cloud County and Neosho County are ranked 21st, 23rd and 25th, respectively.

Hutchinson will compete next at the Fort Hays State Tiger Open on Oct. 11 in Hays. The next national rankings will be released Oct. 15.