DENVER – The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Cross Country programs wrapped up their 2022 seasons Saturday at the NCAA South Central Regional at Washington Park in Denver.
UAFS placed 24th in the men's 10k with 709 points while the women placed 17th with 530 points in their 6k race. The teams battled cold and snow in their longest races of the season.
Jordan Foster paced the UAFS men with a 132nd-place finish by running a time of 36:08.81. Just two spots behind was Oskar Minick, placing 134th in 36:15.90.
The trio of Joaquin Alva (145th), Eko Tuel (148th) and Cade Weatherton (150th) rounded out the top five for the Lions. Alva crossed the line in 36:49.30 while Tuel and Weatherton finished in 37:02.00 and 37:14.80, respectively.
Corey Maxwell finished in 38:36.00 and Isaac Teague in 39:24.50 to complete the UAFS contingent.
"Our men left everything on the course today," Head Coach Mason Rhodes said. "We finished above our expectations and are already getting excited for next fall. We had a great group of seniors finish their time with us today and a solid group of returners who are ready to come back to regionals next November and get another shot."
Rachel Malik concluded her freshman season by pacing the women's team with a 78th-place showing in 24:21.40. Kari Sosa followed in 84th in 24:33.30 while Hailey Malik was 106th in 25:15.60.
Camille Lear crossed the line in 25:39.21 to place 119th with Zoe Nesbitt completing the top five in 143rd in 26:43.50.
Quincy Efurd and Joyce Ferguson rounded out the Lions' lineup in 27:18.80 and 27:41.70, respectively.
"The ladies had a perfect day! They jumped four teams that beat them at the conference meet and finished as the sixth fastest Lone Star Conference team," Rhodes said. "We proved that we belong and are not a school to count out. Today was the perfect cap to a record season. We had two seniors finish their careers and help lead us to this successful finish. We also have a big group of young Lions who are hungry for more success."
The 17th-place finish was the highest finish for the Lions at the regional meet in program history.
