September 11, 2006                    

Maina, Cherono named KJCCC Runners of the Week

Cowley College freshmen Daniel Maina and Jeniffer Cherono (pictured) were recently named Kansas Jayhawk Community College Runners of the Week.

Maina was named the KJCCC Men’s Runner of the Week as he led the Cowley men to the team championship at the Friends University Invitational held at Lake Afton in Goddard.

Maina ran 4:33 for the first mile before settling in and averaging 5:02 for the remaining four miles of the men's 8,000 meter race. Maina, a six time NJCAA national champion in indoor and outdoor track, finished first in the race with a time of 24:43.

Cherono’s second place finish led the Cowley women to the team championship at the Friends University Invitational. Cherono went out in a quick pace for the first mile, but was able to hold on for second place in the 5,000 meter race with a time of 19:45. Her time was 43 seconds faster then Cowley's top finisher (Linet Birir, who finished 10th at nationals) at this meet last season.