LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas A&M International University men's and women's cross country teams exceeded preseason expectations at the 2026 Lone Star Conference Cross Country Championships on Saturday, highlighted by a runner-up finish from the men's team, three All-Conference performers and an eighth-place showing from the women's squad.
After being picked ninth in the LSC preseason coaches' poll, the Dustdevil men delivered an impressive performance, finishing second overall behind No. 4 nationally ranked West Texas A&M. The result marked a significant step forward for the program, which entered the championship determined to challenge the conference's top contenders.
TAMIU remained within 10 points of first place through the opening three miles of the men's 8K race, keeping pace with nationally ranked West Texas A&M. As the race progressed, the Dustdevils settled into second place and maintained their position to secure the conference runner-up finish.
Sophomore Ian Rono led the Dustdevils with an outstanding performance, finishing second overall with a time of 24:04.4. Rono crossed the finish line just 12.5 seconds behind individual champion Meshack Keter of West Texas A&M, who finished in 23:51.9.
Freshman Shamil Kiprono followed with an impressive sixth-place finish, clocking a time of 24:37.1, while fellow freshman Brian Kipkorir finished immediately behind him in seventh place with a time of 24:41.8.
The trio's top-seven finishes earned all three runners All-Lone Star Conference honors, highlighting TAMIU's strong showing against some of the conference's top competition. The Dustdevils placed three runners among the first seven finishers, further demonstrating the program's growth throughout the season.
On the women's side, the Dustdevils also exceeded preseason expectations, finishing eighth overall after being projected ninth in the conference preseason poll.
Junior Stellah Lagat led the way for TAMIU, earning a 25th-place finish with a time of 23:22.4 in the women's 6K race. Lagat's performance highlighted the Dustdevils' efforts as they battled through a competitive conference field.
Despite facing challenges throughout the race, TAMIU continued to compete with determination, gaining valuable experience ahead of regional competition.
TAMIU head cross country coach Benny Rodriguez praised both programs for their progress throughout the season while emphasizing that the team's goals extend beyond the conference championships.
"As coaches, we couldn't be prouder of the tremendous jumps both programs have made this season," Rodriguez said. "To go from being picked ninth in the conference to finishing second on the men's side is a huge accomplishment. To be within 10 points of the nation's No. 4 team through the first three miles shows the level at which our men are capable of competing.
"Our women also took a step forward, and while today wasn't their best day, we know they have more to give. We believe in them, and we know they will respond."
With the conference championships complete, the Dustdevils now turn their attention to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Championships, scheduled for Nov. 21 in Lubbock, Texas.
The regional championships will take place on the same course, with the men's team moving up to the 10K distance and the women's team returning to compete in the 6K.
"We know the course, we know what we're capable of, and we know what needs to be done over these next two weeks," Rodriguez said. "Now it's about recovering, sharpening our fitness, staying focused and putting ourselves in the best possible position to compete at the regional level.
"We've made tremendous progress, but we're not satisfied. There is still more to accomplish, more to prove and more work to be done. The goal was never just to be better than last year. The goal is to keep raising the standard of this program."
With both programs improving upon their preseason projections and three All-Conference performers leading the way, the Dustdevils will look to carry their momentum into regional competition as they continue their postseason pursuit.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Sophomore Ian Rono led the Dustdevils at the 2026 Lone Star Conference Cross Country Championships, earning a runner-up finish in the men's 8K race with a time of 24:04.4. Rono's second-place performance earned him All-LSC honors and helped propel TAMIU to a second-place team finish after being picked ninth in the conference preseason poll.
