Kenneth Rotich and Ben Ronoh closed out their 2009 cross country season on a high note on Saturday afternoon.The Kenyan cousins posted top-25 finishes at the NCAA South Regional meet, as they led the Buccaneers to a 13th-place finish, at the Harry Pritchard running course in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Rotich paced the Bucs across the finish line, as the reigning Atlantic Sun Runner of the Year placed 19th (out of 173 competitors) and was clocked in at 31:02.66 on the 10K course. Meanwhile, Ronoh was right behind his cousin – finishing 21st with a time of 31:09.32.

At the post-race ceremonies, both Rotich and Ronoh received all-region honors after finishing in the top 25.

Individually, Auburn’s Felix Kibioywo won the overall title, crossing the tape in 29:35.85.

Host Alabama and Florida State captured the automatic bid to the NCAA Championship after finishing one-two in the team competition. The Crimson Tide won the regional after beating the Seminoles by 35 points – 45 to 80.

Redshirt senior J Penny closed out his career on Saturday afternoon. The Jonesborough, Tenn., native posted a time of 32:55.61 and finished 75th overall.

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