The El Paso Community College (EPCC) men's and women's cross country teams showcased their prowess at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 1 National Championships in Richmond, Virginia. As reported by KTSM, the men's team secured a commendable fifth-place finish, while the women's team concluded their run with a seventh-place standing on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Before the championships, the EPCC men's team was lauded as the 2024 Region V Champions, and with an impressive performance of four runners finishing in the top ten, they were ranked 3rd in the nation. The women's team was not far behind, with a second-place finish in their regional competition and a national ranking of 12th, as detailed by KVIA.
The tough competition unfolded at Pole Green Park with the women tackling a 5,000-meter course and the men striding through an 8,000-meter challenge. According to EPCC, top finishers were rewarded with prestigious All-American honors, with the top five, top ten, and top 15 qualifiers in each division earning First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mention All-American honors, respectively.
Looking ahead, EPCC's cross-country teams are set to compete in the NJCAA Half Marathon on Tuesday, November 12, at Dorey Park, with the women's event commencing at 9:00 a.m. ET, followed by the men's event at 9:15 a.m. ET. The championship event is expected to draw an average of 2,000 spectators and features over 1,300 student-athletes, from NJCAA member colleges. These events not only serve as a testament to the athletic dedication of student-athletes, but they also bring forth a convergence of community, highlighting the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
