RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Western New Mexico University secured sixth place at the UC Riverside Invitational, with Samuel Ketchum leading the team with a 15th-place finish in the 8K race with a season-best time of 25:20.1.
Western New Mexico's men's cross country team placed sixth at the UC Riverside Invitational in the Men Open 8K race, compiling a score of 197.
Michael Castorena (El Paso, TX/Parkland High School) and Ameen Ibrahim () also delivered solid performances, finishing 26th and 37th with times of 25:35.4 and 25:46.5, respectively. Both runners achieved their season-best times, underscoring their impressive efforts. The Mustangs showed strong competitive spirit against a field of 293 runners, demonstrating depth and consistency across their lineup.
Cameron Shorty (Albuqurque, NM/Atrisco Heritage Academy High School) clocked a season-best time of 26:02.8, while Morgan Haan () achieved a personal best of 26:49.1, surpassing his previous record of 27:01.5. Jacob Corral () also set a personal best with a time of 26:57.1, breaking his previous record of 27:16.4 set at Western Texas College. Jonah Cortez () joined the personal best ranks with a time of 28:12.6, improving from his prior best of 28:57.8. Additionally, Dax Rios (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial High School) recorded a season-best time of 28:48.6.
The next challenge for the Mustangs is in Dallas, Texas, with Dallas Baptist hosting the Old Glory Gallop on October 11.
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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).
