Cameron Aggie Duals Meet Schedule:
Friday September 6th
Lawton, Oklahoma Lawton Soccer Club Complex
Women race: 8 a.m.
Men race: 8:30 a.m.
Meet concludes: 9 a.m.
As the fall sports season kicks off, the Cameron Aggies Men's and Women's cross country team is primed and ready for their first test of the year. It marks the start of their campaign with the Aggies Dual Cross Country Meet, where they'll face off against 11 universities competing in Friday's meet including West Texas A&M, who finished 4th at Nationals last season, Ranger College, North Central Texas College, Amarillo College, Southeastern Oklahoma, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, Eastern New Mexico, Midwestern State University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The Aggies look to compete at the highest level this Friday.
The Texas A&M International Buffs were winners of the last 11 LSC men's cross country championships. They collected 24 of 26 possible first place votes with 325 points. Conference championship runner-up a year ago, Dallas Baptist University nabbed a first-place vote to list second with 303 points and outdistance Oklahoma Christian University predicted to finish in third with 258 points. Both on the Men's and Women's side, both the Men's and Women's Cross Country for West Texas A&M Buffs are looking to defend the Lone Star Conference Cross country title. The Cameron Aggies Men's and Women's Cross Country teams both predicted to finish in the top 10. (Men-No. 7 and Women- No.8) . The Aggies are ready to show the world what they are made of when going up against the top powerhouses in the Lone Star Conference (LSC).
Head Coach
Zach Johnson enters his 6th year as the Men's and Women's Cross Country coach and 10th year for coaching in the NCAA. In 2018, the Aggies put together a historical campaign, winning three races (SWOSU Invitational, Red River XC Shootout, LSC Preview Meet) before claiming their best conference finish in program history, finishing in third place. CU was led by LSC Newcomer of the Year James Majenge, who was the individual champion in the league race. Majenge went on to be Cameron's first LSC Champion in a track event, winning the 1500m and placing second in the 5000m to earn a spot on the All-LSC team. Johnson had another successful fall during the 2019 cross country season. The men claimed three more race wins and replicated their third place finish at the LSC Championships. Majenge was once again an All-LSC selection and went on to earn All-South Central Region and All-American status at the regional and national races. The women collected three top-3 finishes, including a win at the Aggie Duels, their home event during the fall.
Returners
Coach
Zach Johnson returns eight players on the Men's side include
Will Hodges,
Lamon Miles,
Kgaogelo Moloisi,
Sebastian Padron,
Allen Vasquez,
Brock Barr,
Hugo Kluczkowski and
Victor Ramos. On the Women's side returns four players including
Akaya Lightbourne,
Evalynn Pedrosa,
Pia Schweitzer,
Marie Sommer and
Arian Spears.
Newcomers
Head Coach Zach Johnson welcomes seven new freshman men and eight freshman women. On the Men's side they include: Cody Bunting, Aiden Chapa, Noe Chretien, Philipp David, Miguel Ingram, Arnau Pujols and Gage Tilley-Bedick. On the Women's side, it includes: Manon Cady, Kiya Castle, Emma Costantini, Kaat de Staercke, Noa Garcia-Mejias, Tamica Jooste, Terrionna Taylor and Treasuer Burrows .
Last Season Recap
Kgaogelo Moloisi and Victor Ramos. Ramos, in particular, has been turning heads with his performances. Last season, he came tantalizingly close to breaking the school record currently held by All-American James Majenge, missing it by just one second. This near-miss not only highlights Ramos exceptional talent but also sets up an exciting subplot for the upcoming season as he chases that elusive record.
Manon Cady and Kaat de Staercke. Cady made headlines last season by breaking the school record in the 3K meter run at the Wendy's/Pittsburg State Invitational. Her record-breaking performance not only showcases her individual talent but also serves as an inspiration for the entire team.
Head Coach Zach Johnson sat down with us to discuss his expectations for the upcoming season and highlight some key athletes to watch.
"We've been putting in the work all summer, and I'm excited to see how it pays off," Johnson said. "This first meet is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the season."
Johnson has his sights set on a strong showing in the Lone Star Conference Cross Country Meet, scheduled to take place in Kingsville, Texas, later this season. "Our goal is to have at least three runners finish in the top 15," he stated. "It's ambitious, but I believe in the talent and determination of this team."
When asked about standout athletes, Johnson was quick to praise several team members. "We have a mix of experienced seniors and promising newcomers this year," he explained. "Keep an eye on Victor Ramos, who's been consistently improving their times in practice. Manon Cady and Kgaogelo Moloisi are also looking strong and could surprise a lot of people this season."
The coach emphasized the importance of starting the season on a high note. "Beating the three other college teams this weekend would be a great confidence booster for our runners," Johnson said. "It's not just about winning, though. We're looking for personal bests and strong teamwork. Those elements will be crucial as we progress through the season."
As the Cameron Aggies prepare for Friday's meet, there's a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among the team. Coach Johnson's final words summed up the mood: "We're ready to hit the ground running – literally. This team has put in the work, and now it's time to show what we're capable of."
Fans and supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer on the team as they begin their journey towards Lone Star conference glory.
