‘Jacks Take Two in Natchitoches; Jemutai, Kapel Claim Individual Titles

Friday, September 12

Natchitoches, LA

6:15 P.M.

Stephen F. Austin

Demon Invitational

Photo by: Sarah Williams

‘Jacks Take Two in Natchitoches; Jemutai, Kapel Claim Individual Titles

9/12/2025 8:00:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country

Women's 4K Results Men's 6K Results

Both squads register dominant performances to remain unbeaten in ‘25

NATCHITOCHES, La. – It was all 'Jacks across the state line in Louisiana as Stephen F. Austin claimed the 4K women's and 6K men's team titles at the Demon Invitational hosted by Northwestern State. The success was led by individual title efforts by the SFA women's Valentine Jemutai and the Lumberjack men's Nathan Kapel. The SFA women won the team title by 25 points, while the SFA men were victorious by 45 points.

"The main goal for today were to see the course that we will be contesting the SLC Championship at and to practice running in our groups," noted head coach Rob Hansen.

Hansen added, "I think we accomplished both of our goals. We had good energy and we executed in all phases. I'm proud of everyone."

Jemutai was the lone female runner to produce a sub-14-minute time as she finished the 4K in 13:52.91. Teammates Mercy Kipchumba placed second (14:03.18) and Sharon Omwoyo placed fourth (14:26.22). Trude Lamb delivered a PR time of 14:35.98 to finish in seventh place and Garance Dubray crossed in eighth (14:37.70) to round out scoring for the 'Jacks. Four other Lumberjacks landed in the top 11 and all dozen finished inside the top 25 of the 42-runner field. The SFA women recorded 22 points to beat McNeese (47), Lamar (88), Louisiana Tech (94) and host Northwestern State (142).

Kapel directly led five other 'Jacks across the tape as he won the 6K title in 18:04.44. Riley Elliot (18:37.34) edged teammate Andrew Mullen (18:37.83) for second place. Mullen's time served as a PR, while Zach McPhee (18:46.12), Paul Kiprotich (18:51.03) and Sam Golla (18:55.11) rounded out the top six. All nine Lumberjacks crossed in under 19:47. The SFA men scored the minimum of 15 points to cruise past Lamar (60), McNeese (69), Northwestern State (110) and Louisiana Tech (139) for the team title.

UP NEXT
The 'Jacks prepare for a trip to Northwest Arkansas for the Chile Pepper Festival on October 4. Live results will be made available at www.sfajacks.com.

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