BOWLING GREEN , Ohio - Joy Chirchir had an impressive debut as a Rocket, taking first place in the women's 5000-meter cross country race at the Mel Brodt Invitational in Bowling Green, Ohio on Friday.

Chirchi, who ran the course in 17:20.1, was one of five Rockets to finish in the top 10 in the race that featured the host Falcons, as well as Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. Toledo had the top team score with 30 points in a meet in which many top runners for all teams sat out to rest for upcoming meets.

Rounding out the top finishers for Toledo were Claire Steigerwald (5th/17:57.0), Morgan Hicks (7th/18:22.4), Rebecca Snyder (9th/18:26.2) and Hannah Sponaugle (10th/18:27.1). 

The Toledo men were led by Kassim Kibet, who took 7th place in the 5000-meter run with a time of 15:38.1. Jacob Harris (8th) and Mathew Chesum (9th) were right behind, recording identical times of 15:38.5. 


Mel Brodt Invitational
Bowling Green, Ohio
Sept. 3, 2021

Women's 5K
1. Toledo – 30
2. Bowling Green – 49
3. Eastern Michigan - 53
4. Western Michigan - 97

Toledo Individuals - Women
1, Joy Chirchir - 17:20.1
5. Claire Steigerwald – 17:57.0
7. Morgan Hicks - 18:22.4
9. Rebecca Snyder - 18:26.2
10. Hannah Sponaugle – 18:27.1
11. Amanda Tremains – 18:27.8
17. Krystal Clark - 18:46.6
26. Megan Burmeister - 19:07.3
35. Sarah-Rose Sullivan - 20:06.5
39. Mallory Ferguson - 21:28.0

Toledo Individuals - Men
7. Kassim Kibet - 15:38.1
8. Jacob Harris – 15:38.5
9. Mathew Chesum - 15:38.5
10. Ben Otis – 15:38.7
11. Jake Rethman – 15:38.7
12. Jonathan Hrivnak – 15:45.0
13. Tanner Delk - 15:49.4
19. Gavin Lammers - 16:04.0
20. Cooper Losey - 16:11.9