CIAA Announces Cross Country Performers of the Week
CHARLOTTE, NC (September 15, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) has announced Rainn Sheppard of Winston-Salem State University and Franklin Kipchirchir of Fayetteville State University as the CIAA Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Performers of the Week following standout performances in their latest competitions.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Rainn Sheppard | Winston-Salem State University | Senior
Sheppard delivered a standout performance at the Blue Bear Invitational, helping lead Winston-Salem State University to a first-place team finish in the women’s 3,000-meter collegiate race.
The senior finished second overall with a time of 11:28.2, recording the highest individual finish among WSSU runners. Her performance helped set the pace for the Rams, who finished with 30 team points to capture the Blue Bear Invitational title.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Franklin Kipchirchir | Fayetteville State University | Junior
Kipchirchir delivered an impressive performance at the Queen City Invite in Charlotte, North Carolina, finishing second overall in the men’s 8,000-meter race with a time of 24:45.5.
The junior’s performance further established him among the top runners in the conference and nationally. Kipchirchir currently ranks No. 1 in the CIAA and No. 48 nationally, earning him CIAA Men’s Cross Country Performer of the Week honors.
56th CIAA Cross Country Championship
October 22, 2026
Green Hill Park
2500 Green Hill Park Rd
Salem, VA 24153
Media Contact
Matisse S. Lee | mlee@theciaa.com
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University (PA), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information about the CIAA, visit theciaa.com.