San Diego, CA --  Mission Bay Park in sunny San Diego was site to the 2020 USATF Cross Country Championships Saturday. Western New Mexico Men's Cross Country runner, freshman Daniel Beam (Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho HS) posted a ninth place finish in the Junior Men's 8K out of a 23 runner pool. 

In a time of 28:02.5, the Rio Rancho native went up against top runners from all divisions. His efforts earned him a spot on the team who will represent the United States at the 2020 Pan American Cross Country Cup in Victoria B.C. Canada later this year. 

"It wasn't my best race, but I was able to post a strong finish in the top-10. I am incredibly excited to be able to represent our country in the Pan American XC Cup. I am humbled to be able to represent the USA and hope to represent WNMU to the best of my abilities," said Beam. 

Beam was an All-Conference recognition this past season in the LSC, finishing 11th overall at the conference championships, just shy of earning Freshman of the Year honors.