WICHITA – The Wichita State men's cross country team claimed an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Cross Country Championships, the NCAA announced Saturday afternoon during the Selection Show.
 
The Shockers recorded their highest-ever regional team finish, taking third and defeating three nationally-ranked programs Friday at the NCAA Midwest Regional. Wichita State was led by All-Region performers Nicholas Kipchirchir and Elkana Kipruto, and crucial performances from Dennis Rono, Austin Carrera, Kelvin Kipyego, Greyson Ellensohn and Bennett Meoli helped put the team in position to earn an at-large berth.
 
Head coach Kirk Hunter's Shockers will make the program's first trip to the NCAA Championships since 1975 and fifth in school history.
 
The NCAA Championship 10K race is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21at 10:10 a.m. CT in Terre Haute, Ind. and will be streamed on ESPNU.