In the fall of 2011 Odessa College will field its strongest squad(s) since reintroducing cross country in the fall of 2007. The 2011 women’s squad is comprised of a nice mix of freshmen and sophomores. Eve Jeruto and Xamara Perez return from last year’s squad, while Kaitlin Kite is a transfer with one season of eligibility. These sophomores will be joined by a very accomplished group of freshmen. Audrey Baeza and Blanca Zubia were integral part of the very successful program at Hobbs, NM. Baeza and Zubia led their squad to a fifth place finish at the 2010 New Mexico 5-A state cross country meet. Zubia led the squad with a top 20 individual finish. At the 2011 New Mexico 5-A state track meet, Baeza finished 5th in the 800, and was a member of the 4th place 4 x 400 meter relay squad. Zubia had an 8th place finish in the 1600 at the state meet. Devin Caballero comes to Odessa College after a very successful high school career at Lockney, TX. Caballero qualified for the 2011 Region I-A cross country meet, as well as the Region I-A track meet in the 800, 1600, and anchored the 4x400 relay team. These ladies are primed to lead Odessa College to national prominence.
The 2011 men’s squad has the potential to be a top 20 team nationally. Andrew Mumphrey is the lone returner. Mumphrey had a solid freshman campaign and will be counted on to lead a talented group of incoming freshman. Alfonso Rangel, Austin Perez, and Julian Florez come to Odessa College after leading Hobbs, NM to an eighth place finish at the 2010 New Mexico 5-A state meet. Florez finished 4th overall. Rangel finished 7th in the 800, 6th in the 1600, and anchored the 1600 Sprint Medley that finished 3rd at the 2011 New Mexico 5-A state meet. Florez was 3rd in the 1600, and 2nd in the 3200 at the state meet. Allen Arrington is another runner from the land of enchantment. Arrington led his cross country squad from Onate High School in Las Cruces, NM to a 19th place finish at the 2010 New Mexico 5-A Cross Country meet. Arrington finished 12th overall. Arrington qualified in the 400, and was a member of the 4 x 100, 4 x 200, and 1600 sprint medley teams at the 2011 New Mexico 5-A track meet. Adam Montez and Tim Rodriguez from Stanton, TX come to Odessa College after stellar high school careers. Rodriguez was a regional qualifier in cross country his junior and senior year. Montez qualified for the Region I-A cross country meet his senior year. Montez finished 7th in the 400 at the Texas state track meet as a junior and finished 3rd in the 800 at the Texas state track meet this year. Odessa Permian products Scott Lezama and Darien Valenzuela, as well as Odessa High product Isaac Nunez will add quality depth to the squad. |
