Lakewood, NJ - Call them champions forever! The Hofstra men's cross country team captured its first-ever CAA title and Freddie Kipkosgei earned the individual title in a program-defining performance on Friday morning at the CAA Championship at Ocean County Park in Lakewood, New Jersey. 

The title was Hofstra's first since joining the league in 2001 and the highest finish since a fourth place finish in 2021. 

Kipkosgei's individual title is the Pride's first since Alex Masai's run of three consecutive titles in 2018, 2019, and 2020. 

Kipkosgei finished with a time of 23:01.60, besting his teammate Abraham Longosiwa, who finished second overall with a time of 23:25.60. Kipkosgei's time is the best in the CAA Championship for any runner since Masai finished in a time of 22:53.5 in 2020. 

Two other Hofstra runners finished in the top 11 to earn All-CAA accolades as well. Jason Kerber was ninth in 24:03.10 and Abel Kipkemboi finished 11th in a time of 24:06.50. 

Noah Zeitzer finished in 21st place for the Pride in a time of 24:34.00.

The rest of the championship squad included William Thu (24:37.90), Daniel Torrillo (24:45.30), Brian Beck (25:24.20), Ryan McAlea (25:33.10), Alex Walsh (25:46.30), and John Ortiz (27:01.80). 

Hofstra will next be in action on Friday, November 14 at the NCAA Northeast Regional. That meet will take place at the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds in Contoocook, New Hampshire.