KERNERSVILLE, N.C. – Temperatures in the low 40s and nonstop rain turned out to be a memorable backdrop for the Campbell men's cross country team as it won its fourth-straight Big South Championship on Friday.
 
All five Fighting Camels scorers earned all-conference honors by finishing among the top 12 led, as usual, by Lawrence Kipkoech and Amon Kemboi.
 
"It definitely turned out to be a pretty tough day with the weather, the rain and the course being all muddy, but the guys came through and got first place as a team—which was what we came here to do," said Camels coach Michael Kelly.
 
While the Fighting Camels fulfilled their mission as preseason favorites, the day wasn't without some tense moments
 
Kipkoech tallied the day's top time, closing the 8K circuit in 25:07.3 with Kemboi close behind at 25:12.9.  After a High Point runner came in third, the Camels locked down fourth place when Kelvin Kirui crossed the line at 25:50.3.
 
After Kirui, Charleston Southern runners claimed fifth through eight place putting the Buccaneers within striking distance.
 
The threat of an upset, however, was short lived as Campbell's fourth and fifth scorers, Hunter Gilbert and Meshack Kipruto took ninth and 11th place to seal the win.
 
Gilbert crossed in 26:24.3, with Kipruto not far behind at 26.36.5.
 
"It was a lot closer than I thought," said Kelly. "Hats off to Charleston Southern for really making it close, but our guys came through.  Amon and Lawrence did what they were supposed to and Kelvin had a fourth-place finish.
 
"Gilbert had a great race. It was his first time as all-conference and it's really what made the difference here today."
 
Jacob Burgamy (27th/27:53.5) and Travis Gallimore (35th/28:04.5) competed but did not score.
 
After the meet, Gilbert was named to the Big South All-Academic Team.
 
Next up, the Camels travel to Rock Hill, S.C. on Nov. 9 for the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships.