LOGAN, Utah – The NM State men's and women's cross country team wrapped up its season on Friday at the NCAA Regionals in Logan, Utah, hosted by Utah State. The women finished in 18th place with 487 points while the men took 15th with 419 points.

"With how difficult the region is and having to always move up in elevation for the regional meets, this is always quite the challenge for us," interim head coach Joseph Rath said. "So I was very happy to see both teams compete hard and improve upon last year's finish." 

Crissey Amberg once again paced the Aggies on the women's side, clocking in with a time of 21:55.80 for 68th-place. Her twin Cassandra Amberg was the next runner to cross the line for New Mexico State in 96th and checked in with a time of 22:31.70. Stephanie Quintero was right behind her with a time of 22:38.00. Nichole Gomez ran the 6k course in 22:57.20 and beat out Regina Marquez, who finished with a time of 23:06.90. Freshman Julia Yescas finished her first NCAA Regionals in 23:37.50 with fellow freshman Corinne Hanson posting a mark of 23:47.80.

"On the women's side, we were able to get our young team again exposed to some high level competition that will pay off in the years ahead," Rath said. "They have been able to get more excited to run against teams of this caliber, and we are excited to try and further close the gap on some of these teams." 

Senior Ricardo De Santiago finished with a team-best 32:45.80 mark, which was good for 66th. Transfer Eli Kosgei wrapped up the race in 76th with a time of 33:11.60 while Marco Perez came in 80th at 33:26.50. David Colmenero was the next Aggie to cross the finish line, checking in with a time of 33:52.90. Sophomore Aaron Valenzuela raced to the beat of 34:48.30 on the 10k course and just beat out teammate Marchez Coriz, who came in with a time of 35:12.10.

"Our men were able to bounce backfrom their conference meet and finish off the year on a better note," said Rath. "While it might not have been the prettiest 10k run, our men managed to stay tough and finish well. Particularly because he [De Santiago] wasn't feeling 100%, I was especially happy on how Ricardo was able to come back and finish off his running career on a much better note by leading his team."

Colorado took home the team title on the women's side while New Mexico's Alice Wright came in first with a time of 19:59.90. Northern Arizona swept the men's side with Futsum Zienasellassie taking home the individual title with a mark of 30:54.10 as the Lumberjacks finished with 60 points, capturing the team title.