The Trinidad State College cross country teams left an indelible mark at the Region IX Championships in Beatrice, Nebraska. As they swept both team titles and secured numerous individual victories, their extraordinary performance reaffirmed their status as one of the top programs in the country. 

Men's Race: A Display of Dominance and Teamwork

The day began with the men's race, setting the stage for an impressive display of teamwork and individual excellence. Despite the early morning cold and biting winds, nine Trojan runners quickly asserted themselves at the front of the race distancing from the rest of the field. The challenging 8,000-meter race saw these athletes extend their lead all the way to the finish.

In a thrilling finish, Kidus Misgina showcased his mettle by inching ahead of his teammate, Hanibal Haile, during the final half-mile stretch. Misgina's outstanding performance earned him the title of Region IX individual Champion, with an impressive time of 24 minutes and 31 seconds. What's even more remarkable is that Trinidad State had the first nine individual places for the second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement was coupled with their sixth consecutive Region IX Championship win. Beyond the top two finishers, the Trojan men displayed incredible depth, with notable performances from Kameron Eustace (3rd), Vincent Kipchirchir (4th), Daniel Recio (5th), Kyle Awelagte (6th), Collin Moore (7th), Ayub Sayid (8th), Hakiim Hassan (9th), Max Voorhies (12th), and Gavin Gishi (17th).

Women's Race: Unwavering Determination

The women's race that followed the men's was equally impressive, with no respite from the unrelenting Nebraska wind and frigid temperatures. Alliyah Molina, who had been a dominant force throughout the season, wasted no time in separating from the rest of the field. Molina's gap would grow for the entirety of the race.

Despite fierce competition from talented individuals, Megan Garrett and Shania Chavez demonstrated unwavering determination in keeping the Trojans in front. Alongside athletes from Southeast Community College and Central Wyoming College, they engaged in a hard-fought battle. Molina's unyielding spirit and undeniable talent led her to clinch the Region IX individual Championship, leaving her nearest competitor trailing by an astonishing margin of 1 minute and 26 seconds. Megan Garrett pulled ahead of another runner over the final mile of the race to finish second, and Shania Chavez took an impressive fourth place. Carli Valdez and Mckenna Guymon also contributed to the team's success, finishing in 11th and 12th places, respectively.

The Trojan women's victory at the Region IX Championship marked the fourth time in the last six years, underscoring their consistency and excellence in the world of cross country.

All-Region Excellence: Trinidad State's Domination

The excellence displayed by Trinidad State College's cross country teams was further reinforced by the awarding of All-Region honors. A total of five All-Region awards were presented for both genders, with Trinidad State College claiming a staggering eight out of the ten prestigious awards. This impressive feat serves as a testament to the depth and quality of talent that the college possesses within its cross country program.

All-Region Performers:

Men -

Kidus Misgina - Trinidad State College

Hanibal Haile - Trinidad State College

Kameron Eustace - Trinidad State College

Vincent Kipchirchir - Trinidad State College

Daniel Recio - Trinidad State College

Women -

Alliyah Molina - Trinidad State College

Megan Garrett - Trinidad State College

Karen Kiratu - Southeast Community College

Shania Chavez - Trinidad State College

Larissa McElroy - Central Wyoming College