SILVER CITY, N.M. - The Western New Mexico University Men's Cross Country team has been selected 3rd in the 2025 Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll, the league office announced this morning. Voting was conducted among the conference's head coaches, sports information directors, and select media representatives.

West Texas A&M topped the poll with 419 points and 27 of the 28 available first-place votes, edging out DBU for the preseason No. 1 spot.

For Western New Mexico, two student-athletes earned recognition as Runners to Watch. Juniors Michael Castorena (El Paso, TX/Parkland High School) and Samuel Ketcham (Goodyear, AZ/Canyon View High School) were named the Mustangs' men's runners to watch for the season. Castorena, who was an LSC All-Academic Team member in 2024, is looking to repeat his success from last season into this year.

The Mustangs open their season Sept. 6 in Colorado Springs, CO at the UCCS Rust Buster.

 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).