WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem State University Rams and Lady Rams Cross Country teams took home their third straight title at the 2012 Wilbur Ross Cross Country Invitational on Saturday morning. WSSU hosts the annual run.

The WSSU men’s cross country team got things started when they took the men’s 5K run title with a team total of 23 points while the Lady Rams totaled 16 points to take the win.

The WSSU cross country teams had a great day against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) foes as well as local rival Salem College.

The Rams had a great day with six top ten finishes at the meet, including three of the top five. WSSU senior Andrew Chebii led the way for the Rams with a 16:20.10 to win the men’s 5K run. He won the meet by over a full minute. Sophomore Lewis Benjamin finished fourth with an 18:07.23 while fellow sophomore Jaquan Dupree added a fifth place finish in 18:31.61.

Winston-Salem State remained dominant in the women’s 5K run with the Lady Rams taking the win. The Lady Rams took the top four finishes with sophomore Aquila Jones leading the way. She finished the women’s 5K run in a 20:58.13 while junior Kristi Baptiste added a second place finish with a 20:59.39. Freshman Danisha Wiggins placed third with a 20:59.92 while senior Tyrah Winfrey added a fourth place finish at 21:33.01.  Overall, the Lady Rams placed six runners in the top ten.

With the win, the Rams and Lady Rams will next take to the course in the 2012 CIAA Cross Country Championship  at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, on Friday, Oct. 20.