On an autumn day in Ruidoso, history brushed the fir-laced trails as the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Cross Country teams raced into the record books at the first-ever Eastern New Mexico-Ruidoso Cross Country meet. Sweeping across the five-kilometer women's event like the winds of the high plains, the Tejanas notched a decisive win with an outstanding low score of 15 points, leaving their closest rival, Northern New Mexico, trailing with 50 points, according to EPCC News.
The women's team showed commendable camaraderie and skill, as each stride seemed synced in shared purpose. Faith Rotich led the charge for EPCC, clocking a notable time of 19:50 to claim second place. She was supported by Antonia Ronoh's third-place finish at 20:18, Sofia Ramirez in fourth at 22:31, Maureen Japkosgei trailing closely at 22:44, and, Hannah Martinez rounding out the Tejanas' top performances at 22:49. The men's team, while eclipsed by the New Mexico Junior College's dominant showing, put forth a valiant effort as well to secure second place with 44 points to NMJC's 15.
Aydan Lugo was the front runner for the EPCC men's side with his performance earning him a sixth-place finish at 29:11, followed by teammates Pedro Jimenez at 29:19 and Gustavo Salazar close behind at 29:31. Despite not clinching the top spot, the EPCC men's team displayed resilience, a quality they carry from their previous season's triumph in the Region V Cross Country Championship.
Accolades for EPCC didn't stop at the Ruidoso meet. Last season's foray into the NJCAA National Championships saw the men finishing an impressive fifth, and the women seventh. Soon after, both teams competed in the NJCAA Half Marathon in Virginia and showcased enduring tenacity. Women clinched the bronze medal while their male counterparts finished fifth.
Looking forward, both teams aim to extend their stride, with the next challenge set at the NMJC Thunderbird Open in Hobbs, New Mexico, on Friday, October 10. With this, marking their fourth meet before the pinnacle of the NJCAA Region V Championships later in October, the Tejanos and Tejanas are in full gear for a shot at the National Championships in November, as detailed by EPCC News.
