The first cross country championship was held Saturday at the Brownsville Sports Park. Texas Southmost College hosted the event, with five colleges from NJCAA Region 14 taking part.
Basilio Mendoza, the college's cross country head coach, said he expected a tough competition. He said the winners of the first three places will advance to nationals in Alabama. Mendoza said two TSC runners, sophomore Angela Soto and freshman Emily Ortiz, are ranked in the top 10 in Region 14. He said runners came from as far away as Roma and Brownsville.
Dr. Stella Garcia, vice president of institutional advancement and external relations for TSC, called hosting the meet "special." She said NJCAA members are required to host events, and the college was asked to host this regional meet. Garcia said student athletes have two years of eligibility at the college and may continue their running at four-year universities.