KINGSVILLE, Texas – Eastern New Mexico men's and women's cross country competed at the 2024 Lone Star Conference cross country championships at Dick Kleberg Park.

"They showed a lot of progress," said head coach Joshua Harden after the meet. "Our women have a lot of grit, and our men competed hard."

A foggy, humid morning set ENMU up for the championship featuring twelve conference programs for the men and fourteen for the women.

Four of the six Greyhounds who ran for the men posted personal best times this morning. The men's program was paced by Bryan Hernandez who ran his best 8k time of the season in 27:28.15.

Freshmen Justin Sauceda (27:59.68), Thomas Aerdts (28:03.37), and Jackson Gable (28:30.90) followed closely behind with their best 8k's of the season. Also running for Eastern was sophomore Brian Norton (29:19.52) and senior Ethan Woodrome (31:01.68).

Teamwise, West Texas A&M swept the competition to win with 15 points. The race for second and third was tight. St. Edward's was the runner-up just ahead of Western New Mexico.

Two student-athletes ran for the women's program. Leading the way for ENMU was Elizabeth Lujan-Towles finishing with a personal best of 25:30.28. Following just behind was graduate student Sanne Janssen crossing the line in 26:39.27.

West Texas A&M won the women's team title with DBU and Midwestern State taking second and third respectively.

"I am glad to see the men go out there and put forth their best effort," said assistant coach Keyanah Browning after the competition. "Elizabeth (Lujan-Towles) continues to get better meet after meet. I am proud of the program continuing to progress forward."

With the 2024 cross country season completed, Eastern New Mexico will transition to the track and field season. Both coaches spoke of their excitement for the program and what is expected to come during the indoor and outdoor campaigns.