The TSC Cross Country OLLU Invitational marked another milestone for Texas Southmost College’s growing program. Competing in just their inaugural season, the Scorpions men’s and women’s teams turned heads in San Antonio, with strong finishes that highlight their rapid development and competitive spirit.
The men’s team finished second overall in the 8K race, led by freshman Josue Cisneros, who captured an impressive third-place individual finish. The women’s team also made their mark, securing third place in the 6K event and showing continued growth as a unit.
For Head Coach Basilio Mendoza, the results are a reflection of how quickly the Scorpions have adapted to the collegiate level.
“We still held our own,” Mendoza said. “Coming back just three weeks later and competing against established NAIA programs, we ran faster than before — and on a longer course. The guys were really aggressive. Three of them were leading for most of the race, and this was the first time my team ran a competitive 8K.”
The men’s race came down to a narrow margin, with TSC falling just 10 points shy of first place — an impressive result for such a young program.
“We had three guys finish in the top ten, and losing by only ten points shows how close we were,” Mendoza added. “We’ve been racing against well-established programs, and that experience has really built our confidence going into regionals and nationals.”
Mendoza said the team’s morale is high as they continue to gain experience and fitness with each meet.
“This Saturday, we had four guys in the top ten — that’s the type of performance that can win a race,” he said. “Their morale is up, they’re getting fitter, and I can see their hunger in practice. We’re aiming for a top-ten finish at nationals and hoping to make a strong showing at regionals.”
As TSC prepares for the Region 14 Championships on October 18 and the National Championships on November 7, the Scorpions’ inaugural season continues to show promise. Both the men’s and women’s teams are not only competing — they’re establishing themselves as contenders and setting the foundation for a bright future for cross country at Texas Southmost College.
