OLLU recognizes achievements of cross-country teams

OLLU recognized the achievements of the men’s and women’s cross-country teams from the 2022-2023 season during the virtual 11th Annual Big Blue Athletics Banquet.

The season was highlighted by the women capturing the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Championship on Nov. 4. It was the team’s eighth championship. Nadia Sifuentes was the Individual Champion, while Deandra Ibarra won the Freshman of the Year Award for marking the best finish by a freshman.

The women went on to compete at the 2022 NAIA Cross-Country Championships on Nov. 18 in Tallahassee, Fla.

The women also excelled in academics after capturing the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Team Academic Award.

Both the men and women earned NAIA Scholar-Team recognition at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 academic year. The women finished with a 3.005 GPA, while the men marked a 3.027 GPA.

Head Coach Patrick Torres won RRAC Coach of the Year honors. Selected as the teams’ Top Saint award winners were Nadia Sifuentes and Jose Zarate.

Nadia Sifuentes sets OLLU record at Hilton Memorial Invitational

The women’s indoor track and field team participated in the University of Houston’s Leonard Hilton Memorial Invitational at the Yeoman Fieldhouse on Jan. 13.

Head Coach Patrick Torres commented, “We weren’t as sharp as I would have hoped for coming off of winter break. But it’s a good lesson for our athletes to learn. Preparation over winter is everything. That being said, we had a school record and some good performances that I’m proud of and am excited to build off of.”

Nadia Sifuentes set the OLLU school record in the 800m with a time of 2:27.54.

See full results on the Saints Athletics website.