Cornelius Kogo Melts NJCAA National Cross Country Field by Winning Championship

By Chris Lachenmaier
Sports Editor
IG: @chrissylach

The Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team had an ice-cold ending to the season on Nov. 8 at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The fierce snow and 28-degree temperature did not stop the Blue Dragons, however. Sophomore Cornelius Kogo placed first and sophomore Titus Kiprotich finished second.

The snow may have provided a different backdrop, but Kogo wasn’t concerned.

“Running in cross country, you know there are going to be obstacles, you know there is going to be natural weather, so you need to be mentally strong,” Kogo said. “Titus and I knew we had to do our best to benefit from the snow. “

Kogo had a fantastic championship time, finishing the 6.2-mile course in 24 minutes, 54.7 seconds.

Kogo and Kiprotich have been running alongside all season, making themselves victorious. “The most important thing has been training together,” Kogo said. “We have a good relationship with good communication. That communication builds relationships so we can move onto the next step as a team.”

Blue Dragons coach Jafet Molinares played a huge role in the success that the Blue Dragons have today.

“Cornelius having his father figure, being able to look up to him shows that he wants it for himself, same thing with Titus,” Molinares said. “It is very competitive back home and we are proud that we made it here, and we have just gotten better as well.”

With their intentions to win, the Blue Dragons were not going to fight.

“When you have two individuals that are just hungry for the sport and want to be good and want to win, it’s easy to work and coach. They are coachable and these two guys including Dennis (Cheruiyot) have been a tremendous success that we have here.”

Next, Kogo will take his talents to the track season.

“After this we are going to plan with coach, we have indoor and outdoor track coming, so coach is going to tell me what to do, so I’m going to listen to him and take all his advice to what is needed to have another successful indoor and outdoor season,” Kogo said. “Cross country starts with effort.”

Molinares said he wants Kogo and Kiprotich to continue to improve and not be satisfied.

“We are going to focus on the process, keep putting in good work and we are going to stay consistent and disciplined,” Molinares said. “That has been the recipe for success these past few years, and that’s another reason why they did so well this past weekend. So with him winning a national championship, beating the guys he did, between him and Titus, that not only put Hutchinson on the map, but it got complete notice from everywhere else. Within recruiting, I’ve been reached out by several coaches about these guys already, so we are just trying to do everything we can to make sure they are ready for the next level.”

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