Cross Country teams leave lasting impressions at NJCAA National Meet

Both Hill College Women’s and Men’s Cross Country teams concluded their 2024 seasons each placing 16th at the NJCAA Cross Country Championships Nov. 9 at Pole Green Park in Richmond, Virginia.

In its first national competition in school history, the Hill College women’s team finished with 440 points in a field that included 38 schools and 184 individual runners.

Freshman Katie Garza led the Hill College women’s team after placing 50th overall with a time of 19:04 over the 5K course. Aimee Clarke followed in 62nd place with a time of 19:24; Elaina McCulloch finished 109th (20:37); Avery McCoy placed 130th (21:04); and Angela Coronado completed the scoring with a time of 21:34 for 134th place.

Laila Vazquez, the team’s only sophomore, finished 150th with a time of 21:46. Abby Olague was 177th (26:28).

“Our women competed well in their first national competition,” Hill College Cross Country/Track Coach Greg Lautenslager said. “It’s amazing to think that in the first year of the program (2021) we only had one female runner, four women the next year, and last year we were unable to field a nationally competitive team. The experience the freshmen gained from this event will propel them to greater success next season.”

The Hill College men’s team went out strongly in the 8K race, reaching 10th place halfway into the race before fading in the final stages.

Hill’s men finished with 420 points – only 33 points shy of 13th place.

Joshua Gill finished 39th with an overall time of 25:07; Sam Falkstein placed 81st (21:12); Max Austin was 91st (26:25); and Isaac Arredondo in 113th (26:43). Elmahyah Chacha tapped the scoring, placing 119th with a time of 26:56.

In addition, Samuel Pepe finished 142nd (27:33), and Garrison Grizzle was 168th (28:19).

“We were bold,” Coach Lautenslager said. “We took aim at a top 10 finish but couldn’t quite hold it. I admire their courage, and they will work hard to achieve top 10 team places next season.”

The team will bask in a season that included a third straight men’s NTJCAC title and second consecutive women’s conference runner up.

Joshua Gill was named the Conference Runner of the Year and both Katie Garza and Aimee Clarke earned All-Conference honors.

Lautenslager was also named the Conference Men’s Coach of the Year.

The Hill College runners are taking a week’s rest before starting their training for the 2025 track season, which will begin in February.

For more information on the Hill College men’s and women’s cross country programs, please visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.