The university’s cross country team made an impressive debut Saturday at the East Texas Shootout in Commerce, Texas.
Freshman Monica Yanez led the Blue and Gold with a 5000m time of 21:30.63. Yanez’s efforts were good enough to earn her an 18th-place finish.
Hot on her heels was Victoria Jaime. Jaime was pleased with her 21st place finish, but looks forward to improving as the season progresses.
“The meet was a good start to the season, not ideal but definitely room for lots of improvement on both the men’s and women’s side,” Jaime said. “I’m excited for the season, being that it’s my last.”
Less than one minute after Jaime crossed the finish line, junior Lauren Rodriguez rolled in to claim the 27th spot.
Senior Carnecia Scott paced herself to a 34th place finish, crossing the finish line at 23:55.68.
The 39th place effort by freshman Sarah Tronice was enough
to land all five of the Javelina women in the top 40.
Pearsall-native Devin Robles burned 8000m with a time of 27:27.64. His efforts in his Blue and Gold debut were enough to earn him a team-best finish of 13th place.
Juniors Angel Martinez and Jasiah Patterson hit the ribbon in a tight pack. The teammates finished 26th and 29th, respectively, with times of 39:21.32 and 39:34.02.
Javelina junior David Tellez earned a 35th place finish with a time of 30:08.95.
Two minutes after Tellez completed his race, freshman Matthew Aparicio reached the finish line with a time of 32:22.16.
Tellez was proud of his effort, as well as the effort put forth by the rest of the squad.
“It was a good start for me, and the rest of us. It’s been a while since each of the upper classmen raced and two of our freshmen were running their first race,” Tellez said. “We each competed hard and did our best.”
The Los Fresnos-native was also optimistic about the team’s direction.
“We still have lots to improve on, but we’ll be ready come conference,” he continued.
The Javelinas cross country team has the week off but will continue competition at the Saints Collegiate Invitational in San Antonio on Saturday, Sept. 21.
