The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers Cross Country, along with Track & Field, programs welcome a new addition to their coaching staff.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Head coach Erik Jenkins has announced the hiring of former WKU standout Patrick Cheptoek as an assistant coach who will work primarily with the Hilltopper distance runners on both the Cross Country and Track and Field programs. Cheptoek, a native of Uganda, joins the Red and White following a successful professional running career.
“Patrick was an outstanding student-athlete during his time at WKU,” said head coach Erik Jenkinson the hire. “He cares about the program and is excited to manage the distance group. He was an NCAA qualifier in both cross country and outdoor track for us. He was a consistent scorer and was a valued team member on multiple championship teams.”
Since graduating from WKU, Cheptoek has run professionally around the country. In his most recent race, the 2017 Bowling Green Medical Center 10K, he posted a time of 30:46.
During his time on The Hill, Cheptoek earned seven all-conference honors across his time on the cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field squads.
His best conference finishes came at the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, when he finished first in both the 10,000-meter and the 3,000-meter steeplechase. During that same season, he was an NCAA qualifier for both cross country and outdoor track and field.
A graduate of WKU, Cheptoek collected his All-Conference recognitions across the 2008-10 seasons. He was also a national qualifier for the Hilltopper Cross Country squad in both 2009 and ’10.
Cheptoek will bring a wealth of knowledge and pride to the WKU distance squad that kicks off its season Friday, Aug. 31 in Nashville, Tenn., at the Belmont Opener.
Courtesy of WKU Athletics