Junior Baidy Ba finished 162nd at the 2023 NCAA Championship on Saturday at Panorama Farms Cross Country Course. 

Ba ran a time of 31:11.9 in the 10K.

After 1,000 meters, Ba found himself in 49th place; however, he dropped to 174th over the next 8,000 meters. 

In the race’s final stretch, Ba ran his fastest 1,000-meter split, passing 12 runners. 

He also competed at the NCAA Championship in his 2022 season. 

As a sophomore, he placed 126th with a time of 30:26.1. 

This time was the second-fastest 10K time in Kent State history 

Ba is also the sixth runner in Kent State history to qualify for multiple NCAA Championships. 

Kent State now turns to the indoor track and field season. 

The track and field season is set to open with the renovated Kent State Field House with the Jud Logan Memorial on Jan. 13, 2024. 

Robyn Taylor is a reporter. Contact her @[email protected].