Large turnout at first-ever Hill College Cross Country Classic

Dallas Baptist University swept the men’s and women’s titles at Friday’s inaugural edition of The Hill Cross Country Classic.  

DBU finished with 17 points, followed by Trinity University with 71 points and Blinn College with 114. 

More than 230 runners from 18 universities, colleges and clubs raced into the twilight around the Hill College campus course that was comprised of varying terrain of grass and dirt, a running trail, a turf road crossing and a pond loop before finishing on the soccer field.  

DBU’s Megan Williamson led six teammates into the top 10 with a winning time of 19:08 over the 5K women’s course.  

Sophomore runner Katie Garza (Calallen) finished 13th with a time of 20:08 to lead Hill College to fifth place with 132 points. Garza was followed by Angela Coronado in 36th place, Aimee Clarke in 45th, Avery McCoy in 52nd, Emma Hennessey in 57th, and Christiana Kamrath in 73rd.  

“Katie ran very smart and consistent and won an award for finishing in the top 15,” Hill College Cross Country Coach Greg Lautenslager said. “One of our top girls pulled out with an ankle injury that hurt us in the team scoring, but we will get well and be ready for the important meets at the end of the season.” 

Daniel Mathenge of North Central Texas College rolled to victory in the men’s 8k race, covering the route in 25:52. DBU followed with the next four places and two more in the top 10, finishing with 17 points. Blinn College finished second with 60 points and Texas Lutheran third with 116 points.  

The Hill College men’s team finished in sixth place with 152 points. 

Freshman Caden Floyd (Crandall) led the Hill College men’s team with a 31st place finish with a time of 27:44. Floyd was followed by Miguel Sanchez in 38th, Saul Lopez in 45th, Samuel Pepe in 51st, Ricky Santos in 54th, Max Austin in 55th, Garison Grizzle in 75th, Skye Robb in 94th, Lorenzo Mosqueda in 95th, and Jahazial Cruz in 109th. 

“We did well considering many of our male runners were running the 8K distance for the first time,” Lautenslager said. “We will keep working hard and improving in our pursuit of our fourth straight conference title.” 

Lautenslager was encouraged by the response for the first-ever meet on Hill College soil. 

“It was likely one of the largest-ever first-time college meets in Texas,” Lautenslager said. “More important was the enthusiasm from all the spectators who came out to support the event and created a great atmosphere.” 

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