Mountaineers Charge into Oklahoma: Exciting Highlights from a Strong Season Opener – Western Colorado University Athletics

Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree
W (6K) 7:15 a.m. MT & M (8K) 7:50 a.m. MT
Fri. Sept. 26
Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, Okla.

In Gunnison, Colo., the Mountaineers are eager to build on their recent success. After a solid performance at the Maverick Stampede, they’re heading to Oklahoma with high hopes.

The Mountaineers start the season strong, ranked third for men and tied for fourth for women in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference preseason polls. In their opening meet, the Gig Leadbetter Maverick Stampede, the men’s team took second place, while the women’s team clinched first.

• Junior Tyler Nord led the charge, placing fifth overall and first among NCAA Division II runners.
• Sophomore Oliver Diaz closely followed, finishing seventh and adding vital points for the team.
• Graduate student Jan Thewes and senior Esteban Reyes rounded out the top finishes in ninth and tenth places.
• Overall, seven men from the Mountaineers finished in the top 20.
• On the women’s side, senior Allison Beasley earned the top spot, crossing the finish line six seconds ahead of her competitors.
• Junior Peyton Weiss and senior Lauren Willson also made a strong showing, finishing third and fourth, respectively.

Next up, the team will travel to Colorado Springs for the UCCS XC Open on Fri., Oct. 10, hosted by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

This performance echoes trends seen in recent collegiate cross-country seasons where teams are more competitive than ever. According to the NCAA, participating teams have increased by 15% over the last decade, making every race more thrilling and unpredictable. With rising talent across the board, this year’s competitions promise to showcase some incredible athleticism and spirit.

For more updates, check out gomountaineers.com.

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