University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Mpigachai Qualifies for NCAA Championships
11/15/2024 5:46:00 PM | Women's Cross Country
RENO, Nev – Regina Mpigachai paced Northern Colorado at the NCAA DI Mountain Regional Championships – hosted by the University of Nevada Reno – on the Washoe County Golf Course Friday.
"Special kudos to Regina," UNC Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Wayne Angel said. "She made history with the third-place finish, beating all Big Sky Conference runners. Regina is the first Northern Colorado runner to qualify for the NCAA Championships."
Mpigachai placed third at 19:54.4, securing her spot in the NCAA DI National Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by the University of Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23.
She helped the Bears to the highest-ever finish at the NCAA Regionals, placing 14th in the 19-team field.
"The ladies ran their hearts out today," Angel said. "I am so proud of them! What a great way to finish the season. We were able to redeem our performance at the Big Sky Championships."
The Geita, Tanzania junior secured the first individual qualifier for the NCAA Championships in the program's NCAA Division I era, which began in 2006.
She defeated every student-athlete from Colorado and the Big Sky Conference.
Women's Results
3 – Regina Mpigachai, 19:54.4
85 – Summer Olson, 21:44.5
89 – Shantell Hafner, 21:52.8
108 – Chloe Rylance, 22:17.7
119 – Claire Nowels, 23:09.7
123 – Brooke Elfert, 23:36.9
125 – Julia Thigpen, 23:47.4
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the cross-country team on Instagram, and X.
"Special kudos to Regina," UNC Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Wayne Angel said. "She made history with the third-place finish, beating all Big Sky Conference runners. Regina is the first Northern Colorado runner to qualify for the NCAA Championships."
Mpigachai placed third at 19:54.4, securing her spot in the NCAA DI National Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by the University of Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23.
She helped the Bears to the highest-ever finish at the NCAA Regionals, placing 14th in the 19-team field.
"The ladies ran their hearts out today," Angel said. "I am so proud of them! What a great way to finish the season. We were able to redeem our performance at the Big Sky Championships."
The Geita, Tanzania junior secured the first individual qualifier for the NCAA Championships in the program's NCAA Division I era, which began in 2006.
She defeated every student-athlete from Colorado and the Big Sky Conference.
Women's Results
3 – Regina Mpigachai, 19:54.4
85 – Summer Olson, 21:44.5
89 – Shantell Hafner, 21:52.8
108 – Chloe Rylance, 22:17.7
119 – Claire Nowels, 23:09.7
123 – Brooke Elfert, 23:36.9
125 – Julia Thigpen, 23:47.4
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the cross-country team on Instagram, and X.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Women's Walk Recap 2025
Wednesday, July 30
