The Allen Community College men's cross country teams finished the NJCAA National Championship in sixth, respectively, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Saturday.The Red Devils, who ran an 8k race, were led by Pedro Montoya. The sophomore earned a 13th-place finish with a time of 25:40.12.
As one of the top-15 overall runners in the national meet, Montoya was Allen's lone All-American this season and the programs 1st ever in their history.
Before Saturday's race, Montoya was battling flu-like symptoms, but both he and coach Vince DeGrado agreed he was healthy enough to travel and compete. "At the start of the week I wasn't even sure if he'd be racing, but we took neccessary steps to make sure he was healthy enough. I wasn't going to race him if I didn't think he was better."
Ricardo Banuelos, also a sophomore, was the Red Devils' only other top-25 finisher. He placed 22nd overall with a time of 26:05.45. Pedro Montoya, Ricardo Banuelos and Ben Najman were named Coaches Association All Americans.
Next week the Red Devils will take part in the Half Marathon National Classic being held in Levellland, TX.
MEN:
13. Pedro Montoya — 25:40.12
22. Ricardo Banuelos — 26:05.45
31. Ben Najman — 26:25.85
47. Philip Lagemann — 26:49.70
54. Obed Quintana — 27:02.08
71. Meshach Adams — 27:19.32
78. Jeremy Brittain — 27:29.22