The Fort Lewis men’s and women’s cross-country teams have high aspirations for their seasons, but are trying not to get ahead of themselves this year.
“In previous years, it was all nationals, nationals, nationals,” senior Steven Nez said. “This year, we just want to win the day.”
“That’s the goal still, but we don’t want to focus on the end goal,” said senior Cody Speece, who’s from Bayfield.
“We want to step back and break it into more manageable pieces,” said FLC head men’s cross-country coach Joshua Coon. “We’re focusing on the day-to-day.”
The teams started strong in their first race at Northern Arizona University last weekend. The men placed third behind a pair of Division I teams, besting the University of Arizona and D-III power Embry-Riddle.
“NAU went really well,” Coon said. “We’re excited, but definitely not satisfied.”
“We just wanted to set the tone early in that first meet,” said John Ngaruiya. Nagaruiya, who is from Kenya, is one of three African athletes on the men’s team. Elvis Chelak is also from Kenya, and Kiddo Gaorekwe is from South Africa.
Ngaruiya said running is big at the professional level in Kenya, which has an elevation of about 2,500 feet, but soccer is bigger.
The FLC women, meanwhile, finished second in their division at NAU behind Embry-Riddle, but had a 37-second pack time.
“That 37-second pack time was outstanding,” said FLC women’s head coach Brett Sublett. “They’re really running as a team, and that’s what it’s going to take.”
The FLC men started the season ranked No. 8 in their regional rankings. The seven squads ahead of them are all ranked in the top 25 in the nation.
Competing in the RMAC against some of the top teams in the nation, however, is something that athletes enjoy.
“At the end of the day we’re athletes, and a big part of that is being competitive so we definitely want to go against the best,” Ngaruiya said. “We want to be the best in the conference.”
With so many highly ranked teams to compete against in the region, the Skyhawks will look to build their resumes for consideration of at-large bids.
Coon said the team will race at the University of Alabama Huntsville Open to help build their resume since 30 to 40 D-II schools will compete there.
“Overall, we have a lot of high character guys who love running, are committed to each other and work hard,” Coon said. “I can’t ask for much else as a coach.”
Without team meetings last year and other limitations because of the pandemic, the Fort Lewis women had an abnormal season.
“The team unity was off last year,” said junior Krista Benze. “This year, I feel like I’m running for the team again and not just myself. That’s pretty special. I care for the team’s success more than my own.”
“We all trust each other,” added junior Angel Curley. “We came in from summer knowing we all worked hard. We all saw it at camp.”
That work in the off-season has the team optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We want to be seen as an intimidating team and this year is the year to do it,” said Krista Benze. “Everyone has come in with determination. I think COVID sparked that.”
“It’s pretty plain and simple,” Curly said. “Get out there and put in the work.“
Running in Durango also helps the teams.
“It really helps,” Benze said. “When we drop in elevation, it almost feels like I’m flying.”
“We’re always running hills,” Speece said.
“There are no flats,” Nez said. “Everywhere you go there are hills.”
“It helps you get in shape really quick,” Ngaruiya said.
Having confidence in themselves and their teammates has the athletes ready to compete.
“This is the best team I’ve been a part of, and it keeps getting better each year,” Ngaruiya said. “The recruits keep getting faster, which is great.”
The athletes also enjoy what they’re doing.
“Laying it all out there, when you’re done it feels good,” said Ricky Trejo. “It’s like an addiction.”
The team will race today at the Joe Vigil Invite in Alamosa.
