When Timothy Kiprotich crossed the finish line at the NCAA Division II Central Regional Championship, it was more than just completing another cross-country race — he etched his name in Newman history.
His record time of 31:07.20 secured a 15th-place finish and meant he became the first male runner in Newman cross country history to qualify for the NCAA Division II National Championships.
For head coach Amber McVicar, the moment was deeply rewarding.
“It has been fun watching him grow as a student-athlete this year. He has never missed a practice, and I’m thrilled that all the hard work is paying off for him,” she said.
A record-setting Jet
This season, Kiprotich has broken multiple school records, including a time of 24:58 in the 8k and 31:07 in the 10k, the latter earning his spot at nationals. The championship will take place Nov. 22 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Kiprotich hopes to build on an already historic season.
“Making it to nationals is a dream come true,” he said. “It means a lot, especially after overcoming injuries this season. My goal is to represent Newman well and hopefully improve my 10k school record in that competitive race.”
Kiprotich’s breakthrough came after a steady start to the season. At the University of the Ozarks Invitational, he led Newman to a runner-up team finish by securing his first individual title with his first record-setting time of 24:57.94 in the 8k.
McVicar said her star runner is hardworking, coachable and tenacious.
She explained, “He is a student-athlete who listens when critiqued and always wants to learn. He listened to the critiques I gave him after our conference meet before going into our regional championship. He gave up his watch for the race as it was distracting, and he trusted me enough to have people out on the course to help guide him.”
McVicar continued, “He also held to our race plan, which was the opposite of how he had raced during the year. Tim loves to be in the front of the pack, but I told him to sit back and wait until a mile in before he starts to move through the field. At the mile mark, he was 34th, I think his love of being in the front of the pack is what makes him tenacious, as well as his competitive spirit.”
Those qualities helped him finish in 15th place.
Where it all started
Kiprotich grew up in Eldoret, Kenya, and from a young age, running wasn’t just a sport; it was part of everyday life.
“I used to run to and from school every day,” he said. “It taught me discipline early, but it has opened opportunities for me, including my education. The sport has truly changed my life.”
It was that life-changing opportunity that saw him take the leap from Eldoret to the U.S. Inspired by his uncle and older friends who paved a similar path, Kiprotich decided to be brave. He first landed a spot at El Paso Community College, where he went on to graduate with an associate degree before making the switch to Newman.
Like many students who end up at Newman, Kiprotich described his time as “amazing.” He said the community around campus felt like “family” and that coaches and teammates “are so supportive.”
“Breaking records and making nationals has made my time here unforgettable,” he said.
He credits his success to the people who guided him: his parents, Ann and Reuben Too, uncle Michael Birgen, EPCC coaches Felix Hinojosa and Miguel Bonilla and Newman coaches McVicar and Kyle Silmon.
Purpose in his future
Kiprotich is majoring in nursing, a decision inspired by his childhood.
“I want a career where I can help people,” he said. “Growing up, I saw how important health care is, especially in underserved communities. Nursing matches my personality and allows me to make a difference.”
Looking past his remaining collegiate years, he hopes to work as a registered nurse, continue competing and eventually create a foundation where opportunities are plentiful. Kiprotich’s goal is to help children from humble backgrounds access education, similar to the opportunities that running created for him.
“Tim has been an absolute joy to coach, and I am so excited for nationals to see what he can accomplish there and next year as well,” McVicar concluded.
The entire Newman University community wishes Kiprotich the best of luck at the national championships Nov. 22.
Watch Kiprotich compete Saturday, Nov. 22
A live webstream of the championships will occur from 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time until the conclusion of the awards ceremony.
