K-State Teams Take Second at Weis-Crockett Invitational
The Kansas State cross-country teams secured runner-up finishes in both the men's and women's events in Stillwater.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Running
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The Kansas State men's and women's cross-country teams both placed second at the Weis-Crockett Invitational. The meet provided a critical opportunity for runners to gain experience on the course ahead of upcoming conference competition.
Why it matters
Performance at this invitational serves as a final evaluation for athletes before the postseason. Gaining familiarity with the terrain allows teams to optimize their strategy for the championship meet.
K-State's men's squad finished with 56 points, while the women's team tallied 53 points. Individual standout Max Larson clocked a 24:43.1 in the 8K, and Joyce Kiptabut finished the 6K in 21:53.9.
The players
Max Larson
He is a sophomore runner for Kansas State who finished eighth in the men's 8K race.
Joyce Kiptabut
She is a freshman distance runner representing the Kansas State cross-country team.
Abraham Chelangam
He is an Oral Roberts senior who secured the men's 8K victory at the meet.
Gentry Turner
She is an Oklahoma State athlete who won the women's 6K race.
The details
The Oklahoma State teams claimed the overall titles by placing five runners in the top tier of both the men's and women's fields. Sophomore Max Larson and freshman Joyce Kiptabut led the K-State efforts with top-ten finishes in their respective races.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: The K-State teams competed at the Weis-Crockett Invitational.
October 31, 2026: The Big 12 Championship is scheduled to take place at the Greiner Family OSU course.
Season Trajectory
This race serves as a dress rehearsal for the Big 12 Championship, allowing K-State to test its depth against conference rivals. Success here provides the momentum necessary for the team to challenge for higher placements at the upcoming postseason event.
K-State's ability to maintain low point totals through their top runners suggests a strong competitive position for the conference meet. Fans can look to the consistent performances of Max Larson and Joyce Kiptabut as indicators of the team's scoring potential in late-season races.
The takeaway
Consistent top-ten finishes from underclassmen provide a solid foundation for K-State as they enter the championship phase of their season. Coaches will likely prioritize this course data to refine pacing strategies before the Big 12 event.
What happens next
The K-State cross-country teams are scheduled to compete in the Big 12 Championship on October 31, 2026, at the Greiner Family OSU Cross Country Course in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's performance, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kansas State Collegian.
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