PULLMAN, Wash. (August 21, 2025) – The West Coast Conference announced Thursday its 2025 Preseason Cross Country honors as both Washington State men's and women's programs were selected second in the preseason Coaches Poll. Additionally, five Cougar men and two women were selected to All-WCC Preseason Teams.
 
One the women's side, WCC coaches tabbed the Cougars second behind defending WCC champion Gonzaga and ahead of Portland. The Cougars received two first-place votes while Gonzaga received eight. WSU redshirt-sophomore Zenah Cheptoo and sophomore Caroline Jepkorir were each named to the 2025 WCC Preseason team.
 
For the men, WSU was also picked second behind defending champion Portland and ahead of third-place Gonzaga. The Cougars received three first-place votes from the WCC coaches, while Portland picked up six and Gonzaga one. Individually, the Cougars had five members named to the 2025 WCC Preseason team, led by defending WCC Runner of the Year and 2024 WCC champion Evans Kurui. Also named to the 10-member team were Cougar newcomers Rogers Chelal, Solomon Kipchoge and Vincent Koech, as well as Josphat Meli.
 
WSU begins its 2025 cross country schedule Friday, Aug. 29 at the WSU Alumni Open at the Colfax Golf Course in Colfax, Wash.
 
The 2025 West Coast Conference Cross Country Championships will be held Saturday, November 1, hosted by Gonzaga at The Plains Golf Course in Spokane, Wash.
 
 
2025 West Coast Conference Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll
Place   Team                           First Place Points

1. Portland (6)                              77
2. Washington State (3)             73
3. Gonzaga (1)                             69
4. Santa Clara                             53
5. Saint Mary's                            48
6. San Francisco                         44
7. Pacific                                     25
8. Pepperdine                              24
9. Seattle                                     22
10. San Diego                                15

 
 
2025 All-WCC Men's Cross Country Preseason Team
Name                          Institution                   Yr.
Bryce Cerkowniak       Gonzaga                      Sr.
Rogers Chelal             Washington State      Fr.
Solomon Kipchoge     Washington State      So.
Vincent Koech            Washington State      Jr.
Evans Kurui                Washington State      So.
Logan Law                   Gonzaga                      Jr.
Josphat Meli              Washington State      Jr.
KG Monyebodi             Portland                       Sr.
Jonas Price                 Portland                       Gr.
Cameron Stein             Portland                       Sr.
 
 
2025 West Coast Conference Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
Place   Team                           First Place Points

1. Gonzaga (8)                             118
2. Washington State (2)             106
3. Portland                                   94
4. San Francisco (2)                     92
5. Oregon State                           90
6. Saint Mary's                            67
7. Santa Clara                             66
8. Seattle                                     43
9. San Diego                                37
10. LMU                                         31
11. Pacific                                     25
12. Pepperdine                              23

 
 
2025 Women's Cross Country All-WCC Preseason Team
Name                          Institution                   Yr.
Sage Brooks                Oregon State               Sr.
Faustine Chaboche     San Francisco             Jr.
Zenah Cheptoo           Washington State      So.
Willow Collins             Gonzaga                      Sr.
Jessica Frydenlund     Gonzaga                      Jr.
Logan Hofstee             Gonzaga                      So.
Caroline Jepkorir       Washington State      So.
Kate Laurent                Oregon State               Sr.
Maebh Richarson        Portland                       Jr.
Vasileia Spyrou           San Francisco             Gr.