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New Mexico Highlands University Athletics

Men's XCountry
Brianna Archuleta; Sports Fanatic Photography

Men's Cross Country

Men's XC Completes Historic Season wIith Top 25 NCAA FINISH

NMHU Men's X-Country Team
 

 
 
 Spokane, Washington-The New Mexico Highlands University Men's Cross country team finished 24th  out of 32 qualifying teams at the 2013 NCAA DII National Championships held Nov. 23rd .The finish caps an outstanding season for the men that saw the Cowboys win two invitational meets, place second at two other  invitational meets and become the fourth men's team in program history to make the national meet.

"We are a little disappointed in the nationals finish," said HU coach Bob DeVries, "But anytime you make the meet is a good year. There are about 250 other teams wishing they were there." The HU squad had entered the meet ranked #21 nationally and DeVries noted that the men felt a top 15 finish was within reach.  Adams State repeated as the men's national champion.

As he has done throughout the year, Henrique Chavez was the men's top finisher. The Mora native finished 73rd in the scoring— short of his goal of All-American status. The top 40 finishers in the race earned USTFCCCA All-American awards. "Henrique got out a little bit tentative and you just can't do that at nationals, it's so hard to make up places. There were a lot of guys he beat this year who made All-American. But I'm proud of Henrique and the year he put down. He is one of the best we've ever seen here at Highlands."

Jesus Mendoza ran his best race of the year moving up over 20 spots from the half-way point to finish 82nd in the scoring. He was followed by Stephen Carbajal (153rd) and former West Las Vegas standout Tony Sanchez (163rd).  Caleb Rubalcaba (165th) who had been the Cowboys second best runner most of the season and he completed the scoring for the Cowboys. Alonzo Chavez (198th) and Justin Lueras (204th) were the 'Pokes sixth and seventh men at the national race.

"All seven of these runners are from New Mexico," noted DeVries, "There were only two other teams in the meet with completely home-grown squads and they were from California and Michigan—states with hundreds of high school cross country teams. I don't think there has ever been a national qualifying team from any New Mexico college with all New Mexico runners—ever."

Stayed tune for upcoming news this off-season for Cowboys Men's Cross Country.

GO COWBOYS!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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