Although Shadrack Kipchirchir was just making his debut as a Topper in Saturday’s Old Timers Classic, it appears as though the sophomore from Eldoret, Kenya, will fit right in.

Kipchirchir took second place in the 8,000-meter run to lead the WKU men’s cross country team, finishing with a time of 24:50.95.

“The coaches said I beat my previous time on this course by two minutes,” Kipchirchir said. “I’m very proud.”

Junior Deus Rwaheru joined Kipchirchir in the top-five, placing fourth with a time of 25:00.47.

Saturday’s meet, which took place at Kerieakes Park, was unscored. Eight squads participated in the meet, including in-state rival Eastern Kentucky.

Cross country coach Erik Jenkins said he was proud of the team’s showing, especially as the host school in front of a home crowd.

“We came out on a beautiful day in Bowling Green and took advantage of it,” Jenkins said. “Obviously you want to have pride in your university with being able to run in front of your home crowd. Everybody seemed to be up for the race. We’re proud of their performance.”

On the women’s side, Marion Kandie took the individual title in the 5,000-meter run, clocking a time of 18:01.01 Kandie’s performance resulted in a new personal record on the course.

“I though I ran very well,” Kandie said.

Michelle Finn finished just behind Kandie, placing second with a time of 18:26.63.

In all, the Lady Toppers placed six runners in the top 10.

“The ladies as a whole ran very well,” Jenkins said. “I was very pleased with them.”

The squads will take off next weekend before returning to action Oct. 2 in the Greater Louisville Classic.

“Our season is a slow progression,” Jenkins said. “We’re going to try to continue to stay healthy.”