re: UA Volleyball, Soccer, Track, Tennis, Swim/Diving, Rowing

Alabama’s Eliud Kipsang Named SEC Outdoor Track and Field Runner of the Year

The Crimson Tide distance ace was also named the SEC Cross Country Runner of the Year in the fall

Alabama's Eliud Kipsang was named the 2022 Southeastern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Runner of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday. Kipsang was also named the SEC Cross Country Runner of the Year in the fall.

The sophomore earned the honor after shattering the collegiate and SEC record in the 1,500 meters earlier this season with a time of 3:33.74 at the Bryan Clay Invitational. He also earned his spot at next week's NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore.

In addition to Kipsang's honor, 14 members of the Crimson Tide earned outdoor All-SEC honors. SEC hammer throw champion Bobby Colantonio Jr., 10,000-meter champion Victor Kiprop and 5,000- and 10,000-meter champion Mercy Chelangat all earned First Team All-SEC recognition. Colantonio Jr. and Chelangat also earned first-team honors during the indoor season.

In addition, Hillary Cheruiyot, Alan de Falchi, Jerimiah Evans, Leander Forbes, Kassidy Gallagher, Demetrius Jackson, Corde Long, Khaleb McRae, Isaac Odugbesan and Samantha Zelden were all named to the All-SEC second team.

A trio of Tide rookies earned Freshman All-SEC accolades, including Tarsis Orogot, Kiprop and Cheruiyot. Kiprop was the SEC Freshman Cross Country Runner of the Year, while Cheruiyot was the SEC Freshman Indoor Runner of the Year. Kiprop and Cheruiyot both earned Freshman All-SEC honors in cross country, while Cheruiyot earned the same during the indoor season.