COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Western New Mexico men's cross country team kicked off their 2025 season on Saturday at the 18th Annual UCCS Rust Buster in Colorado Springs. The Mustangs placed fifth as a team with 150 points,
The Mustangs were paced by junior Samuel Ketcham (Goodyear, AZ/Canyon View High School), who led the way with a 36th-place finish in 26:30.4. He was followed closely by junior Michael Castorena (El Paso, TX/Parkland High School) (51st, 26:57.0) and sophomore Ameen Ibrahim () (56th, 27:03.8). Junior Cameron Shorty (Albuqurque, NM/Atrisco Heritage Academy High School) (66th, 27:26.3) and freshman Morgan Haan () (75th, 27:59.4) rounded out WNMU's five.
At the front of the field, Colorado Christian swept the team title with just 21 points, putting four runners in the top seven. Senior Matthew Storer claimed the individual victory in 24:44.1, followed by Colorado College's Will Shuflit in second (24:53.9) and Colorado Christian's Alex Vance in third (25:07.2). Host UC-Colorado Springs finished second in the team standings with 46 points, while Colorado College placed third with 84 points.
The Mustangs will aim to build on this opener as they compete next week (9/12/25) in Lubbock TX, at the Texas Tech Open.
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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).
