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Midway University

Kocis'
Seniors Jacob and Josiah Kocis had the two best times ever recorded by Midway runners at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships Friday.

Men's Cross Country

Kocis brothers close cross country careers with best-ever national finishes

COLUMBIA, Mo . - Jacob Kocis and Josiah Kocis added one more milestone accomplishment to close their storied Midway cross country careers at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships on Friday.

The senior siblings ran the two fastest times ever recorded by Midway runners at the 8K national race, Jacob placing 70th out of 326 finishers in 24:57, with Josiah finishing 81st in 25:02.

The Kocis' ran identical 2:56 splits at the 1K mark and remained within two seconds of each other up to the halfway point of the race.

Jacob, who was in 81st-place 2,000-meters in, quickly hit his stride, rising all the way to the 52nd spot with 1,000 meters to go.

Despite fading a bit down the stretch, he was still able to easily secure the best national finish in Midway men's history. The previous mark was set by Jacob himself at the 2022 race, when he finished 85th in 25:24.

Josiah also beat the previous program record while comfortably recording the best national time and finish of his career.

Racing at nationals for the third time, Josiah's top showing prior to Friday was a 187th-place run of 26:57 last season.

Though their cross country careers have ended, the Kocis' will compete together one more time on Dec. 8 at the NAIA Marathon Classic in Sacramento, Calif. Joshua Kocis and Connor Byrd will also take part in the marathon.

SEE ALSO: Trinity Smith breaks own 6K record at Cross Country National Championships
 
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Players Mentioned

Connor Byrd

Connor Byrd

Sophomore
Jacob Kocis

Jacob Kocis

Graduate Student
Joshua Kocis

Joshua Kocis

Sophomore
Josiah Kocis

Josiah Kocis

Senior

Players Mentioned

Connor Byrd

Connor Byrd

Sophomore
Jacob Kocis

Jacob Kocis

Graduate Student
Joshua Kocis

Joshua Kocis

Sophomore
Josiah Kocis

Josiah Kocis

Senior