Men's Cross Country takes Runner-Up at NJCAA Region I Championship

Friday October 25, 2024 - 9:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger

The Mesa Men's Cross Country team took Runner-Up honors in the 2024 NJCAA Region I Championships on Friday morning. 

The Thunderbirds were beaten out by defending champions Paradise Valley, losing by 11 points. Nick Valle led the way as he finished 3rd (26:52.6), Quenton Metz took 4th (26:58.6), Kai Robinson finished 7th (27:31.2), Cal Schnepf took 9th (28:00.9), Bennett Kaup  finished 11th (28:17.1) Javier Johns took 15th (30:05.9), and Parker Stoft finished 19th (31:10.2).

Due to Mesa being banged up with injury and illness there were many underclassmen who were able to get valuable championship racing experience at the meet.

"The men ran competitively and finished 2nd as a team lead by Nick Valle placing 3rd overall. Quenton and Kai both had great races, finishing 4th and 7th! Overall the men did their best with the circumstances," said assistant coach Mitchell Briggs, "they have high goals for nationals and have more to showcase once fully healthy in a couple weeks."

With regionals now down the T-Birds turn their sights to Nationals which takes place Nov. 9 in Richmond, VA.

Click here to view the entire results.