Nov. 17, 2010

EL PASO, TEXAS - Sophomore Risper Kimaiyo has been tabbed the 2010 Mountain Region Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association the organization announced on Wednesday.

"This honor for Risper highlights our women's program with success," said head coach Paul Ereng. "Risper has represented our athletic department and university positively. I'm very happy and excited for her as we head to the national meet."

Kimaiyo became the first woman in school history to win a cross country regional title. The Iten, Kenya, native did so by setting a new course record at the 2010 NCAA Mountain Region Championships with a time of 20:02. The All-American claimed her second straight Conference USA crown on Nov. 1 and produced the top time at this year's Pre-National Invitational.

Kimaiyo, along with Kathya Garcia, will travel to Terre Haute, Ind., for the 2010 NCAA Cross Country Championships scheduled for Nov. 22 at the LaVern Gibson Championship Golf Course.