STILLWATER, OK. – The Chicago State University cross country teams were both represented at the NCAA Midwest Regional on Friday morning from Oklahoma State University. The Cougars were represented by
Weronika Stanczak,
Jason Arteaga,
Jacob Draaisma,
Denis Kirui,
Collins Kuyo and
Dean Solomon. All were racing for the chance to compete at the NCAA National Championships next weekend.
The day started with the women's 6K ran by
Weronika Stanczak, who is making her second career appearance to the NCAA Midwest Regional. Stanczak was a qualifier joined by teammate
Alexis Fallejo. In a field with 235 competitors, Stanczak crossed the line 219
th to cap her cross country career. The graduate student from Poland got stronger as the race went on passing four other competitors in the last 1,200 meters of the race to cross the finish line with a 24:54.90, capping her cross country career.
The men's cross country team were represented by five freshmen all making their regional debut. The team qualifiers consisted of
Jason Arteaga,
Denis Kirui,
Jacob Draaisma,
Collins Kuyo and
Dean Solomon. Kuyo, Kirui, and Arteaga were the Cougars who posted a final time in the men's 10K, the furthest racing distance of the season for Chicago State.
Collins Kuyo was the top Chicago State runner as he finished 163
rd with a time of 34:21.20 to conclude his first cross country season. Denis Kiuri finished his freshman season with a 35:18.6 to finish 182
nd.
Jason Arteaga rounded out the Cougars with a 42:15.80 to conclude his season.
Chicago State will now look to next season with all five qualifiers returning to the team and showed a lot of promise and potential to take into 2026.
