The Tulane University men’s cross country team has concluded a landmark 2025 season, securing a No. 21 national ranking and celebrating its first-ever male All-American in program history. The final ranking was announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association following the NCAA Championships.
The Green Wave’s path to the national stage was paved with a historic, first-ever victory at the NCAA South Central Regional Championship on November 14. In a dominant performance, Tulane secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships by placing all seven of its runners in the top 25, each earning All-Regional honors. The team’s 44-point total outpaced regional powerhouses such as Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Texas. Bernard Cheruiyot and Silas Kiptanui led the charge, finishing second and third, respectively.
This victory followed a strong showing at the American Conference championships, where Tulane finished second. The team placed five runners on the All-Conference team: Cheruiyot (2nd), Kiptanui (4th), Illia Kunin (7th), Tommy Rice (13th), and Rogerio Amaral (15th).
In their second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Championships, held on November 22, the Green Wave earned a 21st-place finish with 536 points, improving on their 28th-place result from the previous year. Cheruiyot led the team, making program history by finishing 29th in the 10K with a time of 28:59.3. His top-40 placement earned him All-American honors, a first for a male cross country runner at Tulane and his second All-American award overall.
Kiptanui also delivered a strong performance at the championships, placing 47th with a time of 29:11.6. Other key finishers included Illia Kunin (154th), Gilberto Rono (206th), and Tommy Rice (214th).
The team’s performance cemented its national presence, having been featured in all eight USTFCCCA polls throughout the season.
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