MEN

Fullerton, Sept. 3 – The Master’s University men’s cross country team opened its season at the Mark Covert Classic by finishing first in the 8k with a collective time of 2:09.19.50.

Notably, Saturday’s performance set a new team time record for the Mustangs.

Michael Sciarra

Michael Sciarra led TMU by finishing third overall at 25:19.83. Mustang newcomer Alec Franco finished seventh overall at 25:36.07, while Andrew Orona finished in ninth place after clocking a final time of 25:39.80. Stephen Pacheco also finished among the top 25 by finishing the race in 26:15.53.

“Today, we saw debut and breakout races for Alec Franco, Stephen Pacheco, Tim Gutierrez, and Joshua Nunez,” commented head coach Zach Schroeder. “These four additions make us an even stronger team than last year’s ninth-place finish. This could be the best year for TMU’s men’s team, and will be a very exciting team to watch as the season progresses.”

Now, the seventh-ranked Mustangs look to continue their hot start when they compete at the UC Riverside Invitational on Sept. 17.

WOMEN

Morgan Pedrick

Fullerton, Sept. 3 – The Master’s University women’s cross country team placed second overall with a collective time of 1:34:30.60 at the the Mark Covert Classic in Fullerton.

Morgan Pedrick placed fourth overall with an impressive time of 18:11.5, while Abigail Frankian finished in fifth place at 18:14.8. Notably, Pedrick was the third-best collegiate runner in the race, and the fastest non-NCAA Division I runner.

Mikala Fairchild had a strong race where she finished in eighth place after clocking a time of 18:51.2. Emma Bahr finished among the top 20 runners by placing 19th with a final time of 19:33.7.

“Morgan Pedrick is clearly running in the best shape of her life, and Abigail was not far behind,” commented head coach Zach Schroeder. “Based on their performances today, both women look ready to run with the best in the NAIA. I’m really happy with our women’s performance as this might be the strongest season opener our women have ever put together. I believe this could be the strongest women’s team TMU has ever fielded.”

Now, the fifth-ranked Lady Mustangs look to continue their strong start when they next compete on Sept. 17 at the UC Riverside Invitational.