November 12, 2022

The Men and Women's Cross Country Teams competed in the 2022 Cross Country National Championships held in Tallahasse, FL over the weekend.  Both squads competed valiantly and ended up with a 7th place finish.  Colby won the men's title while Southern Idaho successfully defended its title two years in a row. 

The Vaqueros placed 7th out of 29 teams and with the men finishing in the top 10 sets a new NJCAA National Record with 40 all-time top 10 finishes.  201 Males started the 8km course while 183 completed the women's 5km.

The men were led by Elliot Smith, who placed 22nd overall, narrowly missing NJCAA All-American Top 15 status.  He was followed closely by his teammate Julilan Campos, who was 28th overall. 

Julian was the 2nd American-born finisher at the National Meet for Division 1, paving the way for him to be recognized as one of the top American athletes in the Nation. 

Sophomore Alazar Getahun (37th overall), Gift Mashilo (50th overall), and Jorge Corona (65th overall) rounded out scoring for the men.  

The Vaqueras were 7th out of 25 teams and with the 7th place finish the women set a new NJCAA National Record with 26 all-time top 10 finishes.  

The women were led by Beatrice Keditukei, who was 1 spot from an NJCAA All-American medal.  Beatrice finished 16th overall, respectively. 

Teammates Jaida Lyles (39th overall), Lisbet Porras (42nd overall), Brianna Samuels (59th overall), and Melissa Ruse (80th overall) rounded out scoring the women.  

"We came up short on our team goals today but a few individuals really stepped up"  Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon.  "I am confident as a unit we will build from our performance and carry it over to a successful track season".