WKU’s second trip to Louisville this season on Saturday was highlighted by senior Joseph Chebet. 

At the Pre-Nationals at Tom Sawyer Park, Chebet notched his second first place finish of the season, becoming the first Topper to do so since Nicholas Aliwell in 1998.

Chebet won the black heat, setting a personal record time in the 8,000-meter race of 23:56.7.

“It felt good,” Chebet said. “It gives me confidence heading into the postseason.”

The NCAA Cross Country Championships will be on Nov. 17 at Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, which will work in Chebet’s favor.

In WKU’s first race there this year, the Greater Louisville Classic, he set his 8K personal record.

He shaved seven seconds off that mark on Saturday.

The Toppers finished 19th out of 24 teams. No. 27 Indiana won the meet.

For the fourth time this season, sophomore David Mokone finished second for the Toppers. He came in 51st overall. 

Senior Kyle Chettleburgh made his season debut after nursing a hamstring injury, and finished third for the Toppers, and 179th overall.

“Obviously I’m very pleased with the way Joseph performed today but I’m also happy with how our guys came out and competed,” coach Erik Jenkins said. “I’m excited to see what they can do in two weeks.”

The Toppers will compete for their second straight cross country title and their fifth consecutive overall conference championship on Oct. 27 as they host the Sun Belt Conference Cross Country Championships.