Oct. 31, 2005

Winston-Salem, NC - For the first time in the history of the Winston-Salem State University cross-country programs, student athletes from WSSU will compete in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals as the Rams and Lady Rams look to qualify for the upcoming NCAA cross country championships.

The Lady Rams will be represented by two student-athletes as Irene Jeptolo and Tomita Ferguson will both compete in the Southeast Regionals.  Jeptolo, a freshman at WSSU, placed second in the CIAA and looks to have a good chance to qualify for the NCAA National Championships in Pomona, CA on November 19, 2005.  She will be joined in the regional race by Ferguson who placed 17^th at the CIAA Championships on October 20, 2005.

The men's team will be represented by Kenneth Koech, a freshman for the Rams who placed sixth in the CIAA at the recent conference championships held in Cary, NC.

First year head coach Benny Morgan, when reached for comment, issued the following statement:

"I am very excited for these three athletes as this gives them a chance to gain some NCAA experience.  [Irene] Jeptolo has a very good chance to qualify for the National Championships in Pomana, CA to be held on November 19, 2005 while [Kenneth] Koech and [Tomita] Ferguson will be competing for top 40 finishes and a season PR [personal record]."

This marks the first time in the history of the WSSU cross country programs that the Rams and Lady Rams will be represented in post season competition.

For additional information on WSSU cross country, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com

- wssurams.com -