Men’s Cross Country Wraps Up Season at HAAC Championship Meet

Cedar Rapids, Iowa — The Graceland University men's cross country team brought their 2024 season to a determined close at the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Championship meet. Facing competitive fields and challenging course conditions at the Seminole Valley Cross Country Course, hosted by Mount Mercy University, the Yellowjackets demonstrated perseverance and growth as they tackled the demanding 8-kilometer race on Saturday.

Graceland finished in 11th place with a team score of 344, highlighted by the performances of key runners who battled through the demanding course to secure valuable points. The team averaged a time of 30:34, with a spread of 3:53.9 among its top five finishers.

Freshman Isaac Ramirez led the Yellowjackets, completing the race in 28:24.7 and placing 72nd overall with an average mile pace of 5:43.0. Close behind was sophomore Moses Ridley, who crossed the line in 29:20.1, placing 86th, maintaining a steady 5:54.1 per mile. Freshman Vincent Carcamo followed in 102nd place, recording a time of 30:46.8.

Junior Matthew Patience and senior Rene Romero rounded out the scoring for Graceland, placing 110th and 112th, respectively, with times of 31:57.3 and 32:18.6. The Yellowjackets' cohesion and competitive spirit were evident as they completed the race against strong conference rivals.

Reflecting on the season, Head Coach Tom Shore emphasized the positive strides made throughout the year. "This season has been a testament to the dedication of these athletes," Shore said. "While today's race closes this chapter, it represents the foundation we've built for future growth. The commitment shown by this team is a powerful starting point as we look to elevate Graceland men's cross country to greater heights next season."

The meet saw strong performances from teams across the conference, with Mount Mercy University taking the championship with a team score of 69 points. Although Graceland faced tough competition, the team's focus on endurance and pacing proved essential as they aimed to maximize their placement in the standings.

"This year's HAAC meet was challenging, both physically and mentally," Shore continued. "Seeing the athletes push through and support each other is what makes this sport so meaningful. I'm proud of their resilience and how they represented Graceland through every mile and moment of the season."

The Yellowjackets' season highlighted both growth and learning opportunities. While the HAAC Championship marked the end of competition for this year, the team's collective experience and training set a solid stage for upcoming seasons. The program aims to build on the improvements made and the lessons learned to strengthen its position in future conference meets.

As Graceland looks ahead, Coach Shore expressed optimism for the path forward. "We've seen promising efforts from everyone, especially from our younger runners who stepped up this season," Shore added. "The foundation laid here today is something we can build upon, bringing more focus and strength into the next year. I'm confident in our direction and excited for what's to come."

For more information on the Graceland University men's cross country team and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.