By Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

For a team with goals that can’t be reached until November, it’s all about progression from one meet to another right now for The Master’s University men’s cross country team.

On that front, coach Zach Schroeder was pleased Saturday at the UC Riverside Invitational.

“I’m happy with how my men performed today,” he said. “Good progression from where we were two weeks ago.”

Wesley Methum crossed the finish line first for TMU, as he did at the season-opening meet hosted by Cal State Fullerton on Sept. 1. He finished in 25 minutes, 17.4 seconds, a 40 second drop from two weeks ago, and ended up 43rd in a field packed with NCAA Division 1 and 2 talent.

The Mustangs finished 16th out of 22 teams, in part because Schroeder chose to rest redshirt junior Tim Gutierrez.

Other Mustangs picked up the slack. Again, it was all about growth, as Master’s builds toward a run at what would be a ninth straight Golden State Athletic Conference title and a strong showing at NAIA nationals, both in November.

Stephen Pacheco (pictured above) also dropped around 40 seconds off his time from the opener. The redshirt junior ran a time of 25:32.6 on the 8K course.

“Stephen looked strong and I anticipate he will look stronger with every passing race this season,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder also highlighted a freshman.

“Davis Boggess is running amazing,” the coach said. “We’re looking forward to big things from him as the season progresses.”

See a pattern?

Boggess finished in 26:31.6, nearly a minute better than his college debut. Isaac Ventura made his collegiate debut Saturday, aptly filling the No. 7 spot for TMU, which will now turn its focus to its home meet at Central Park in Santa Clarita on Sept. 29.

For complete results, click here.