Thursday, September 30, 2010

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – There will be a familiar face in this week's Sports Illustrated for the fans of Spartan athletics as USC Upstate cross country athlete, Gilbert Kemboi, has been recognized as one the features in the magazine's "Faces In The Crowd" segment.

"It is a big accomplishment and I am very happy about the recognition," said Kemboi. "I hope that this will help me to go for big things later on in this season."

As for what it means for his teammates, Kemboi said, "It will be a challenge for them when people are recognizing our program; a challenge to also work hard to get our program on the map of Division I cross country programs."

Kemboi is the first current Upstate athlete that has received the recognition in the University's Division I era, and will be in this week's issue, dated Oct. 4, which has Boise State on the cover.

"This is great for Gilbert and our program," said assistant cross country coach Carson Blackwelder.  "Gilbert is a great guy and athlete, it is good to see he is getting well deserved recognition."

The 2009 Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year, Kemboi, now owns back-to-back Eye Opener titles at the Milliken Research Park, which is set to host the 2010 A-Sun Cross Country Championships on October 30.

Kemboi can be found on the Sports Illustrated website HERE.

Another Spartan to watch out for: Hannah Alexander, a pitcher for Upstate's softball program, who was recognized by Sports Illustrated "Faces in the Crowd" after leading North Davidson High School to the North Carolina 4A State Championship and a No. 1 national ranking by USA Today/NFCA- HERE.