Oklahoma State University Athletics
Denis Kipngetich Named Big 12 Men’s Outstanding Freshman Following Impressive Indoor Campaign
February 29, 2024 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State distance runner Denis Kipngetich was named Big 12 Men's Co-Outstanding Freshman of the Year following an impressive indoor season, the conference announced Thursday.
Kipngetich is the third Cowboy in program history to win the award, joining Tyreek Hill in 2014 and German Fernandez in 2009. At the Big 12 Indoor Championships last weekend, he placed third in the 5,000 Meters and will qualify for the NCAA Championships in the event with his time of 13:26.34 set at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener in December.
In his freshman season, Kipngetich has already altered OSU's record books, running the third-fastest 5K (13:26.34) and fifth-fastest 3K time (7:44.78) in program history. This award also follows a cross country season in which he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and USTFCCCA Midwest Region Athlete of the Year with his fourth-place finish at the national meet.
Kipngetich and the rest of the Cowboys and Cowgirls to Boston to compete in the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the TRACK at New Balance March 8-9. Tickets for the championships can be purchased here.
For more information on the Cowboys and Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.
Kipngetich is the third Cowboy in program history to win the award, joining Tyreek Hill in 2014 and German Fernandez in 2009. At the Big 12 Indoor Championships last weekend, he placed third in the 5,000 Meters and will qualify for the NCAA Championships in the event with his time of 13:26.34 set at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener in December.
In his freshman season, Kipngetich has already altered OSU's record books, running the third-fastest 5K (13:26.34) and fifth-fastest 3K time (7:44.78) in program history. This award also follows a cross country season in which he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and USTFCCCA Midwest Region Athlete of the Year with his fourth-place finish at the national meet.
Kipngetich and the rest of the Cowboys and Cowgirls to Boston to compete in the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the TRACK at New Balance March 8-9. Tickets for the championships can be purchased here.
For more information on the Cowboys and Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Cowboy Cross Country & TrackCowboy Basketball Media Availability | Oklahoma State Postgame vs. Iowa State (01-24-2026)
Saturday, January 24
Sergio Vega PIN vs Missouri - Oklahoma State Wrestling (01/23/26)
Saturday, January 24
Jax Forrest TECH FALL vs Missouri - Oklahoma State Wrestling (01/23/26)
Saturday, January 24
Cowgirl Basketball Media Availability | Oklahoma State Postgame vs. Iowa State (01-18-2026)
Sunday, January 18
