Editor’s note: With several sports going on, Wildcat Wrap serves as a recap that focuses on the Arizona programs that we do not have the time to cover on a regular basis but are certainly worthy of recognition.
The Arizona cross country teams will compete Friday at the NCAA West Regional in Sacramento, Calif. with a trip to next week’s NCAA Championships on the line.
The Arizona men have a realistic shot at qualifying for NCAA Championships via at an large-bid. The Wildcats will need to finish in the
top 5 of the team event to advance. Neither the Arizona men or women have made it to NCAA Championships in 20 years.
The men are coming off a fifth-place fifth at Big 12 Championships. Three Wildcats placed in the top 11 individually: Josphat Mali (sixth), Evans Tanui (seventh) and Vincent Gwachi (11th).
If the UA can get strong showings from those three, the team will be in good shape to advance.
On the women’s side, the attention will be on freshman Mercy Chepkemoi, who is coming off a top-10 finish at Big 12 Championships. Chepkemoi has two individual titles to her name this fall.
Triathlon
The Arizona women’s triathlon team won its third consecutive national championship over the weekend. A recap of the event can be found here.
Senior Kelly Wetteland won the individual title, her second straight year claiming the championship.
Arizona coach Wes Johnson won the CTCA Coach of the Year honor. Amit Ben Adiva was named CTCA Freshman of the Year after finishing fourth at nationals.
National Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day for the class of 2027. Here are a few notable signees across Arizona’s non-revenue programs.
The women’s track and field team signed sprinter Aria Pearce of San Luis Obispo, Calif and discus thrower Jenna Tunks of Ontario, Canada.
The men’s cross country and track and field team recently signed middle distance runner Lukasz Zaczyk of Chorzow, Poland.
The beach volleyball team signed Alayna Smeltzer of Spokane, Wash., Timorie Prinz of Buckeye and Roie Van Devander of Scottsdale.
The women’s tennis team signed Lauren Nolan of Oak Point, Texas.
