Cattails Golf Course in Alamosa played host to the Joe I. Vigil Open this past Saturday where the Trinidad State College Cross Country teams got their season's under way. A small field consisting of Trinidad State, Adams State University, and Regis University took to the course in both the Men's 8-kilometer race, and the Women's 5-Kilometer race.
Adams State took the team victory and individual victory, with Ahmed Sado cross the line first. Trinidad State's Regan Longei and Emmanuel Biwott were among the lead pack for most of the race before finishing 13th and 14th respectively to lead the Trojans. Not far behind was Jarred Baca in 22nd place, who ran a gutsy race from start to finish. After starting conservatively, Conner Dosmann charged through the field late to 26th with his fastest time to date over 8-kilometers. Hot on Dosmann's heels was freshman Adrian Villarreal in 27th place. Ethan Coyhis also posted a personal best over the 8-kilometer distance to finish in 30th place. Justin Mayes competed in his first cross country race in over 2 years and posted a strong finish in 37th place. The top-5 scoring runners for the Trojans knabbed 2nd place as a team.
The women of Trinidad State flew across the manicured lawns of the Cattails golf course to one of the best performances by a TSC ladies team. Freshman and returning All-American Ashley Lagat did as she often does and led the Trojans across the line in 11th place overall with her fastest time to date. Last year's Region IX Champion and West Region Runner of the Year Sharon Jesang was close behind in 12th place. Accomplished newcomers Holly Tsosie and Vanessa Dominguez were the next TSC athletes in 17th and 19th place respectively. Freshman Kianna Quintana raced alongside teammate Kaleia Vicenti for most of the race before they crossed the line in 24th and 27th respectively. Just behind Vicenti was Tamsin Stewart, who had a great start to the season in 28th place.
After both teams finished Top-10 at Nationals last year the Trojans have high expectations for the season to come. Coach Lauren Masterson praised the teams efforts this weekend saying, "I'm very pleased with how both squads got started today. We weren't perfect, but we showed today that both teams are on track for big things at the end of the season." The Trojans will be back in action Saturday the 18th at the Mountaineer Cross Country Meet in Gunnison.