Fort Worth - The Texas A&M-Kingsville cross country teams competed in Old Glory Gallop at Dallas Baptist Saturday morning, getting a preview of the Lone Star Conference Championships with the women taking home 20th and the men capturing 18th against a 40 team field despite top Javelina runners on both sides not participating in the full race.

The men's performance particularly turned heads. Led by sophomore Roberto Alejandro's 68th-place finish in 25:29.59, the Javelinas unleashed a devastating second-half surge that saw their top five runners each pass 40 to 50 competitors after the 5K mark. Freshman Jacob Rivera (26:05.44, 111th), junior Abner Villanueva (26:07.89, 114th), and freshman Josh Perez (26:19.50, 128th) formed a tight pack finish that showcased the team's tactical maturity.

"This team has been crushing the second half of races," Assistant Coach Zachary Hall said. "Even though we rested four out of our top eight, we shattered the school record for fastest team average. At conference, this team is ready. When we add in Kristian, Leon, Alan, and Joey, this team looks deadly."

The women's squad demonstrated similar grit, battling through early positioning issues to mount strong finishes. Freshman Kayla Trevino led the way in 19:33.08 (101st), followed closely by sophomore Yaritzy Acosta (20:03.10, 130th) and junior Ella Hester (20:03.68, 131st).

"Women moved up great in the second half." Hall said. "They got boxed in the first half. However, they all moved up massively in the second half. Without Ivanova, this team still beat most of the conference."

With the Lone Star Conference Championship in Fort Worth just two weeks away, the Javelinas will rest and prepare with confidence and momentum on their side.  

"We are rounding into form for the conference meet," Hall said.

Women's Results

Team  - 20th (of 40) - Women's 5k Run

Kayla Trevino-Garcia - 19:33.08 (101st)
Yaritzy Acosta - 20:03.10 (130th)
Ella Hester - 20:03.68 (131st)
Samantha Presas - 20:40.86 (176th)
Beyonce Hernandez - 20:56.50 (193rd)
Zailey Zimmerman - 21:35.11 (225th)
Audrey Cubria - 23:30.90 (293rd)

Men's Results

Team - 18th (of 40) - Men's 8k Run

Roberto Alejandro - 25:29.59 (68th)
Jacob Rivera - 26:05.44 (111th)
Abner Villanueva - 26:07.89 (114th)
Josh Perez - 26:19.50 (128th)
Roberto Trevino - 26:52.02 (182nd)
Tanner Spears - 27:59.91 (267th)
Jack Clark - 28:22.49 (289th)
Juan Martinez - 29:31.13 (336th)