UPLAND, Ind. - Cross country headed back to Taylor for their final regular season race of the year at the Crossroads League Championships. Once again, Jesse Songo defended his undefeated streak as he took home the first place trophy for the fourth time in a row. It was also a good result for the Maple Leafs, as the men took third place on the podium as a team, sticking close to the leaders in points, and the women placed ninth. 

Women - 9th of 10

Kassandra Ortega once again led the Leafs with a time of 23:38, placing 47th overall in the conference. Presley Allen followed in 56th with a time of 23:53, and senior Caroline Jelimo finished her last race in 63rd with a time of 24:06. Marin Kauffman Smith was the Leafs fourth with a time of 24:45 in 87th, and Ella Armstrong closed out the points with 104th and a time of 25:37. Alana Whited was the next finisher right behind her teammate in 105th and a 25:41. 

Men - 3rd of 10

As has been the story all season, Jesse Songo is the Crossroads League champion! With a time of 24:25, he beat his challenger from Marian by almost three seconds, and set a new course record of almost 25 seconds. Duncan Kogei was also All-Conference with his 7th place finish and a time of 25:02. Jacob Friesen was also All-Conference in 12th with a 25:16. Drew Hogan followed closely behind in 17th, with a 25:22, and Bruno Kipsang was #5 for the Leafs in 55th and a 26:50. Peter Moser came in just behind him in 26:58, which put him in 62nd. 

This is the first time the Leafs have had an individual league champion since 2020 when Nelson Kemboi took the title. 

The draw for the NAIA National Championship will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and the men's team is expected to receive an at-large bid based on their current ranking and their performance at this conference championship.