T-Bird Men Finish Runner-up in Lubbock Versus DI Competition

The T-Bird men's cross country team finished runner-up to West Texas A&M (41 points). The Thunderbirds defeated DI programs such as Oklahoma, Texas Tech, UTEP, and NMSU on a rain soaked course Friday morning at the Texas Tech Open 8k.

The T-Birds accumulated 60 points in their second-place finish at the LCU Cross Country Course.

Tomas Vega was the first T-Bird to strut across the finish line in Lubbock, Texas coming in third place with a time of 24:59.60. German Vega was nipping at his brother's heels in fourth place. The sophomore completed the race in 25:08.60.

Miguel Medina had another strong showing for the T-Birds. The Durango, Mexico native placed 11th with a time of 25:46.20.

Wilson Navarrete crossed the finish line in 26:11.20 to move himself into 19th place. Marc Pauvert was the final runner that factored into the team scoring. The Frenchman finished in 23rd place (26:18.00).

Sophomore Alex Keter completed the race in 26:28.50 to place. Paul Maurer crossed the line in 42nd Place (27:09.20). Cyprien Bille was the final runner for the T-Birds to finish as he placed 103rd overall (29:25.20).

The Thunderbird men were ranked No. 3 overall behind Trinidad State and Colby CC in the USTFCCCA NJCAA DI Men's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll (Week 1) released on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

The Thunderbirds will compete next in the NMJC Invitational Friday, Sept. 22 at 9:45 a.m. MDT in Hobbs, NM at Harry McAdams Park.