LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University men's cross country reached another milestone this week, earning the first regional ranking in program history as the Dustdevils debuted at No. 9 in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association South Central Region rankings.

The historic recognition follows TAMIU's performance at the UIW Invitational and continues the program's upward trajectory after a landmark 2025 season.

TAMIU enters the rankings at No. 9 and is one of two Lone Star Conference programs in the South Central Region top 10, joining No. 4 West Texas A&M.

The Dustdevils entered the 2026 season with Ian Rono, the first All-American in TAMIU history, returning for his sophomore campaign. Rono established himself among the nation's top runners during a historic freshman season and now provides the Dustdevils with an accomplished returner as the program looks to build upon last year's success.

TAMIU has also seen an immediate impact from freshman Shamil Kiprono.

Following his performance at the UIW Invitational, Kiprono was named both the Lone Star Conference Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week, earning two conference honors in the same week.

The combination of returning talent and an emerging freshman class has helped TAMIU make an early statement in 2026, culminating in the program's first appearance in the USTFCCCA regional rankings.

The No. 9 ranking represents another step forward for the Dustdevils as TAMIU continues its 2026 campaign and looks to establish itself among the top programs in the South Central Region.