Cross Country 10/22/2025 12:06:00 PM

Mbatha Earns MEAC Weekly Honor After First-Place Finish

Junior Siyabonga Mbatha was named MEAC Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week after leading the University of Maryland Eastern Shore at the Howard Invitational on Oct. 18 in Colmar Manor, Md.

The honor comes after Mbatha earned his first career first-place finish as a Hawk, winning the men's 5K with a time of 15:45.70 and helping UMES secure third place in the team standings.

Another top performer for the Hawks at the Bison Invitational was sophomore Rebecca Jepngetich, who placed third overall in the women's 5K with a time of 19:04.07, helping UMES to a second-place team finish.

The Hawks return to action Saturday, Nov. 1, when they travel to Cary, N.C., to compete in the MEAC Championships.

For updates on UMES cross country and track and field, visit UMESHawks.com and follow the team on Twitter (@UMESHawkTFXC) and Instagram (@umeshawktfxc).

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Players Mentioned

Siyabonga Mbatha: 6' 2"; Junior

Rebecca Jepngetich: 5' 6"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Siyabonga Mbatha
: 6' 2"; Junior

Rebecca Jepngetich
: 5' 6"; Sophomore