Key Highlights
- Habtom Samuel wins his first NCAA Cross Country title for the University of New Mexico.
- New Mexico’s men’s team finishes second nationally, their lowest point total at the NCAA Championships in program history.
- The Lobo women secure a fourth-place finish, marking their 15th Top-10 team finish in as many appearances.
- Samuel and Evans Kiplagat are the first men from New Mexico to achieve All-American honors three times.
New Mexico Lobos’ Historic NCAA Cross Country Championships Performance
Columbia, Mo. – In a day that solidified New Mexico’s place in the pantheon of cross country greatness, Habtom Samuel secured his first individual national title at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships, leading the Lobo men to their second consecutive team podium finish and the women to their fourth-place finish since 1994.
Samuel’s Breakthrough Victory
Saturday morning’s race saw Samuel run a strategic race, pulling away in the final stretch of Gans Creek Park. His 28:33.9 time at the national meet is the best in Mountain West conference history and marks his third All-American honor. “Never gave up,” a tweet from the New Mexico XC/T&F account read, capturing Samuel’s perseverance during his race.
Men’s Team Consistency
The men’s team achieved their lowest point total at the NCAA Championships in program history with 82 points, breaking the previous record set last year. They finished second nationally, marking a significant improvement from their 18th place finish in 2024. Collins Kiprotich’s 8th-place performance and Evans Kiplagat’s 13th place were crucial to securing All-American honors for both men.
Women’s Team Success
The Lobo women returned to the podium with a fourth-place finish, their 15th Top-10 team finish in as many appearances. Pamela Kosgei secured an impressive 17th place individually, while Marion Jepngetich and Judy Rono both placed within the Top 50 for the first time at nationals.
Program History
This historic day marks several program records for New Mexico. Samuel is now the most decorated Lobo in program history with a total of 10 First Team All-American finishes, and he joins Evans Kiplagat as the first men from New Mexico to achieve All-American honors three times.
The University of New Mexico’s cross country program has consistently shown strength over the years. Their continued success not only highlights individual talent but also the team’s strategic approach under the guidance of Coach Gauson and his staff, who have been instrumental in shaping these records.
