The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s and women’s cross country teams made a powerful statement at the Arturo Barrios Invitational, hosted by Texas A&M University in College Station. Competing against a field loaded with NCAA Division I programs from across the nation, the Saints proved they can hold their own against some of the country’s elite.
On the men’s side, OLLU finished 28th overall. There were 353 total runners. It was a test of endurance and courage for the Saints, and they rose to the occasion. Leading the charge was standout runner Isai Moran, who clocked an impressive 25:03 in the 8k to place 114th overall, proving once again that he can compete stride for stride with top Division I talent. Close behind was Damon Gutierrez, who crossed in 25:21, earning 130th place and giving OLLU two runners under 26 minutes, a testament to the program’s growing strength.
Joseph Gonzalez battled his way to 176th in 26:16, followed by Tony Favella in 183rd with a 26:28 finish. Joel Telles (187th, 26:36), Jose Saucedo (197th, 26:56), and Anthony Alaniz (198th, 27:01) rounded out the scoring for OLLU, demonstrating impressive pack running that helped the Saints secure their top-30 team finish in a highly competitive race. Every Saint showed up, embodying the toughness that has become a hallmark of the OLLU distance program.
The women’s team also faced a deep Division I field but refused to be intimidated, finishing 35th overall in a race that tested every runner’s resolve. Kristen Torres led the charge for the Saints, placing 207th in 21:59 for the 6K course, a strong performance against athletes from nationally ranked programs. Mia Curiel followed with a 23:37 finish for 189th, continuing her steady season form. Liliana Hernandez crossed the line in 24:17 for 208th, with Daylah Vega (228th, 26:09) and Claudia Helena Lopez (242nd, 27:34) rounding out the squad’s effort.
While the Saints may not have topped the leaderboard, their performances spoke volumes about the program’s growth this season. Competing against some of the best teams in the nation, both OLLU squads displayed the depth, drive, and unity that continue to elevate the program.