Senior Baidy Ba closed his Kent State cross country career at the NCAA Cross Country Championships Saturday in Madison, Wis. He placed 138th in the men’s 10k with a time of 30:09.7. 

This was Ba’s third time competing in the national championship race, making him the fourth runner in Kent State history to qualify for three NCAA Cross Country Championships. 

Last season, he placed 162nd, running a time of 31:11.9. This year marked Ba’s fastest time of the three national championships he has competed in.

Coach Laura Rybka said that the national championships are unlike any other cross country meet with unreal competition. 

“It was a tough field, and [Ba] got a really good position the first 3-4k,” Rybka said. “He was dealing with an illness earlier this week, and I’m proud of how he performed despite that.” 

Rybka also noted that it was fun being a part of Ba’s journey this season.

“He grew a lot this year as a runner, and I am incredibly proud of the success he has had,” Rybka said. 

The NCAA Championships marked the completion of the cross country season. Ba and the distance team can next be seen competing on the track during the spring season. 

The Flashes’ first track meet of the season will be held at home in the Kent State Field House Jan. 18.

Looking forward, Rybka reflected on Ba’s success and how they plan to carry it over to track. 

“At the beginning of the season, we had a few specific goals for training, and [Ba] worked very hard on those,” Rybka said. “The goal is to continue to focus on the work and let the process see where it takes him.”

Kailyn Tibolla is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].