(October 13, 2023) Clinton, Mississippi - Coming off a solid run last week at the University of the Ozarks, the Bucks headed southeast to Clinton for their final tune-up before the Region II Championships at the end of the month. The men looked to continue their success last week in Clarksville and did so in a big way this morning.

The Bucks ran against NCAA DI, DII, DIII and NAiA competition this morning with a total of 25 teams and 202 runners in the 8K race. The men finished 12th overall in the race, and every runner, but one, set new personal records in the 8K race.

Luis Morales (Glenwood, AR) and Angel Cordero (Springdale, AR) cracked the 27 minute mark this week with times of 27:46.0 and 27:57.7, respectively. Morales finished 60th in the race, while Cordero finished 65th. Yermy Gonzalez (Horatio, AR) continues to show improvement with a time of 28:31.7, finishing 88th and third for the Bucks.

The rest of the Bucks finished as follows:

112th - Emmanuel Cartagena (Sherman, TX) - 29:15.8

130th - Brian Monterroza (Fort Smith, AR) - 29:57.6

141st - Tommy Banks (Houston, TX) - 30:35.2

142nd - Montana Wesley (Waldron, AR) - 30:40.0

150th - Desmond Thompson (Fort Smith, AR) - 31:05.6

This week, the ladies ran a 6K race at the Choctaw Trails. Karen Campos (Pittsburg, TX) set a personal record with a 28:23.8 and finished 107th. Adriana Montiel (De Queen, AR) gutted through the race with a time of 35:27.9, finishing 156th. There were a total of 167 runners in the race.

The men and women now turn their attention to the Region II Championship on October 28th. UARM will once again be hosting the races at the Lion's Club. First race is scheduled for 10 am.

#DefendTheMountain