HOBBS, N.M. (September 28, 2024) – Lubbock Christian University men's cross country team delivered their best performance of the young season, finishing third overall at the NMJC Invitational II at Harry McAdams Park. The Chaparrals posted a total time of 2:14:52 with an average time of 25:54 in the 8k event, placing behind hosts New Mexico Junior College and second-place Wayland Baptist.
 
Sophomore Liam Kilbride led the way for the Chaps, clocking in at 26:31, good for 16th place overall. This marked Kilbride's best finish of the season and his first time as LCU's top runner. He narrowly missed his personal record from last year's NMJC Invitational, where he placed 7th with a time of 26:30.
 
Kilbride wasn't alone at the front, as six other Chaps runners finished in the top 30. Kaleb Gaona (18th, 26:43), Samuel Bryan and Caden Nunn (both tied for 21st with 27:05), Alfons Rawall (26th, 27:27), Aiden Zingone (28th, 27:52), and Luke Mosley (30th, 28:32) all contributed to LCU's third-place finish. Every participant for LCU posted a sub-30-minute time, a testament to the team's growing depth.
 
New Mexico Junior College took the team title with a combined time of 2:07:48, with an impressive average of 25:33 per runner. South Plains' Hamdani Benahmed claimed the individual crown, crossing the finish line at 24:22.
 
The Chaparrals will look to build on their performance as they head to Dallas, Texas on October 5th for the DBU Old Glory Gallop.