Alabama Upsets No. 1 Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. – Two years ago today, the Men of Oregon claimed the No. 1 ranking and have not relinquished the position. That streak is sure to come to an end as the ninth-ranked Alabama men’s cross country team defeated the Ducks by a score of 53 to 71 today at the Bill Dellinger Invitational.

“This is just real exciting,” Alabama Coach Joe Walker said. “It’s still early in the year and we know we have to see them again but anytime you can go to the home of the No. 1 team and knock them off, it gives you a great feeling about your group. Obviously, this gives us a lot of confidence in regards that we know we can compete with the best and have a shot at the title.”

Tyson David and Moses Kiptoo provided the one-two punch for the Crimson Tide as they finished first and second with times of 23:37.71 and 23:38.38, respectively. The Kenyan duo defeated All-Americans in Oregon's Alfred Kipchumba (6th) and Luke Puskedra (11th) as well as UTEP's Nicodemus Ng'etich (17th) from last season’s NCAA Championships.

Finishing next for the Tide was Fred Samoei in seventh and a time of 23:42.53. Rounding out the top five for Alabama were Julius Bor (13th, 23:58.36) and Andrew Kirwa (31st, 24:24.95). Nathan Corder (86th, 26:17.54) and Austin Duckworth (88th, 26:42.05) also finished for the Crimson Tide.

Emmanuel Bor did not compete as he is still healing from a foot injury but should be ready to go in two weeks for Pre-Nationals.

“This is what we’ve been working hard for,” head track and field coach Harvey Glance said. “To at least get that credibility that we can compete with the best. Everybody competed well and fought hard for the team today. This is one of my most wonderful feelings – knocking off the No. 1 team.”

In addition to knocking off Oregon at Springfield Country Club, Alabama defeated nationally ranked opponents No. 8 Portland, No. 12 BYU and No. 18 Cal Poly.

In team standings, Alabama claimed the title tallying 53 points followed by BYU (63). Oregon (71), Portland (73) and Villanova (99) rounded out the top five teams.

Alabama will next compete at Pre-Nationals on Oct. 17 in Terre Haute, Ind.