LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State cross country gets set to host the best from the Western Athletic Conference at the 2017 WAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Oct. 28. The meet takes place at the NMSU Golf Course with the men's 8K beginning at 9 am (MT) and the women's 5K starting at 10 a.m.
 
"Both sides face some very tough competition - especially with Utah Valley running very well right now," assistant coach Joseph Rath said. "However, there are a number of teams we need to pay attention to that are all in the mix for top-team finishes."
 
On the men's side, the Aggies were pegged to finish tied for third with Grand Canyon in the pre-championship coaches' poll as they received 22 total points. NM State placed fifth as a team at the 2016 championship. New Mexico State returns Aaron Valenzuela and Eli Kosgei, who placed 25th and 30th, respectively, at the meet last season.
 
The New Mexico State women's team received two first-place votes and 41 total points in the pre-championship coaches' poll, which projected a second place finish for the team. The Aggie squad finished third at the 2016 championship. NM State returns Crissey Amberg, who finished in sixth and earned All-WAC First Team honors and Julia Yescas, the 2016 WAC Freshman of the Year. Stephanie Quintero and Cassey Amberg posted notable marks at last season's meet, finishing in 13th and 14th, respectively. The pair was also named to the All-WAC Second Team.
 
"It's always special to get the chance to compete at home for a big championship event like this. It hasn't been since 2008 that we last hosted the WAC Championships in Las Cruces," Rath said. "I know we can expect to receive a ton of support from the community that includes so many of our friends and family."
 
The meet begins with the men's race at 9 a.m. with the women's competition to follow. Admission is free to all in attendance. Fans can also watch the finish from both races on Facebook Live.