LUBBOCK, TX — Western New Mexico men's cross country placed sixth in the Texas Tech Open with a total score of 170 points. The team was led by junior
Samuel Ketcham (Goodyear, AZ/Canyon View High School), who finished 23rd with a time of 26:19.3. Ketcham's performance was complemented by junior
Michael Castorena (El Paso, TX/Parkland High School), who crossed the line in 29th place, clocking in at 26:48.6. Junior
Cameron Shorty (Albuqurque, NM/Atrisco Heritage Academy High School) rounded out the top three for the Mustangs, securing 32nd place with a time of 26:53.8.
Texas Tech's men's cross country team secured a decisive victory at the Texas Tech Open, led by freshman Titus Kimaru's first-place finish with a time of 22:51.2 in the 8K race.
The Mustangs maintained a consistent performance with freshman
Morgan Haan () and freshman
Ameen Ibrahim () finishing close together in 37th and 49th places, respectively. Haan completed the race in 27:01.5 which was a 8k personal record, while Ibrahim finished in 27:43.2.
Jonah Cortez () finished the race in 28:57 with a new 8k persoal record. With an average race time of 26:57.28, the Mustangs showcased a solid team effort amidst a competitive field at the Texas Tech XC Course.
Texas Tech Open – Men's 8 Kilometers
1. Titus Kimaru (Fr.) – 22:51.2
2. Ernest Cheruiyot (So.) – 23:14.6
3. Weldon Chebon (So.) – 24:08.9
4. Victor Kipkoech (Fr.) – 24:13.6
5. Brian Cheruiyot (So.) – 24:26.4
6. Adrian Legarreta (Sr.) – 24:32.9
7. Tommaso Toppi (Jr.) – 24:41.5
8. Mohammed Mrahi (So.) – 24:45.9
9. Dennis Cheruiyot (So.) – 25:12.0
10. Ethan Gioko (So.) – 25:12.9
Individual times are here:
https://crm.pttiming.com/uploads/projects/2524/b5857c2d7e2674c99f1771f1a5896cb5.pdf
The next challenge for the Mustangs is at the UC Riverside invite on September 27, in Riverside, CA.
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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).
