The New Mexico Highlands men's cross country team came through on the big stage this weekend as the Cowboys finished second at the Southern Stampede at Missouri Southern State Friday afternoon in Joplin, Missouri.
The Cowboys finished second in the field of 16 teams which included Mississippi College, Illinois-Springfield, and host Missouri Southern. Each of those teams were ranked in this week's USTFCCCA Division II National Rankings. The only team to beat the Cowboys was East Central (OK) also ranked in the poll. In two meets this season, the NMHU men have beaten a total of five nationally ranked teams.
Individually,
Andrew Amor posted another strong finish as he finished the 8k course in 25:08.15. His time was just 12 seconds off the winning time and less than two seconds behind Talel Khalfi from Tiffin University (OH), last week's NCAA Division II runner of the week.
"Andy beat the national 10k champion from last spring and looks to be primed for a top ten national finish", said Coach
Bob DeVries after the race. "I can't say enough about the heart and grit our men showed in this race.
Nathias Rael ran down All-Americans,
Mart Nijhuis and
John Hall both beat guys right at the line to push us in front of Mississippi College (for second place).
Celso Garcia probably moved up 30 places after the first mile. It was exciting to see."
NMHU Individuals:
Andrew Amor     25:08.15 (3rd)
Nathias Rael    25:56.29 (12th)
Mart Nijhuis        26:10.78 (18th)
Celso Garcia      26:34.94 (28th)
John Hall            26:51.72 (38th)
Complete results from the
Southern Stampede here.
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