ALAMOSA, Colo. - The Trinidad State Men's and Women's Cross Country teams got their seasons underway in Alamosa today at the 2018 Joe I. Vigil Open. The men's collegiate race went off first at the Cattails Golf Course with an extremely strong field of 4-year schools. The Trojan men were led by a breakout performance from Godfrey Chama who finished in 17th place in a time of 26:17.0. Riley Allen was hot on Chama's heels running 26:21.7 for 19th place. Derek Holdsworth, John McMahon, and Bailey Smith rounded out the Trojans scoring five with places of 36th, 39th, and 40th respectively. The 8,000 meter race was won by Adams State's Sydney Gidabuday, and likewise Adams State's men took the team victory. Western State and Colorado Mesa placed second and third respectively, with the Trojans only 16 points behind. Adams State University is currently ranked first in NCAA Division II while Western State is ranked 5th.
"Our men got off to a fantastic start," said coach Lauren Masterson. "Godfrey Chama and Riley Allen ran the best races I've ever seen out of them. They set the tone for us."
Coach Masterson also was pleased with the way the rest of the Trinidad State pack performed, "Our men all did a great job today. I'm proud of the way they competed. We have a lot of work yet to do, but I believe these guys can take TSJC to new heights this season."
The Trojan women got their season started 70 minutes after the men. The race was full of stellar competition with Adams State currently ranked first in NCAA D2 and the Western State ladies ranked third. Nonetheless, the Trojans competed very well finishing fourth overall as a team. Benadine Chelimo was the first TSJC runner across the line placing 16th in a time of 19:14.2. Toni Moore followed shortly after in 28th place despite battling a side stitch for the entirety of the race. Mary Baldwin ran a strong first race of the season finishing in 36th place. Kathryn Sauerwein (44th), Camille Ruggles (46th), and Vanessa Davis (47th) completed the Trojan runner's great day of racing.
"I'm very proud of how our ladies performed today," Masterson praised. "We have had a tough few weeks of training in which I've pushed our ladies harder than ever. I'm sure they're still not fully rested from that, but they brought their best today anyway."
Coach Masterson believes the team has a lot more they can achieve this season. "It's not about how you start, it's how you finish. We've got more training to do but I know once we get a few weeks down the line our ladies will really take off. I have no doubts about that."
Both teams will compete again next week in Gunnison, Colorado at the Western State Colorado Open.
Trinidad State Results:
Men
18. Godfrey Chama 26:17.0
20. Riley Allen 26:21.7
37. Derek Holdsworth 26:59.7
40. John McMahon 27:17.6
41. Bailey Smith 27:27.4
45. Cody Danley 27:52.8
48. Joseph Enright 28:27.6
50. Brandon Cardenas 29:00.3
53. Richard Sais 30:15.6
Women
16. Benadine Chelimo 19:14.2
28. Toni Moore 20:31.2
36. Mary Baldwin 21:24.3
44. Kathryn Sauerwein 22:17.7
46. Camille Ruggles 22:33.5
47. Vanessa Davis 22:50.5
Complete meet results - http://www.runnercard.com/results3/meet?meetId=c12fb9d6-9c59-41e0-8fbd-381cf4f85bc7