FORT WORTH, Texas — Sometimes, you have to step outside your own backyard to see exactly where you stand. North American University did just that on October 17, taking on a deep field at the Old Glory Gallop at AP Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas. With 43 teams competing in the men's 8K, the Stallions faced a challenging test against nationally ranked programs and some of the country's top collegiate distance runners.

No. 4 West Texas A&M captured the team title with 25 points, finishing more than 100 points ahead of No. 30 Oklahoma Baptist (132). East Central and Drury followed with 153 points each, while Dallas Baptist finished fifth with 210.

West Texas A&M freshman Meshack Keter won the individual race in 22:52.31, leading a Buffaloes lineup that placed seven runners in the top 12.

That's serious depth, and it showed the level of competition waiting in Fort Worth.

Season Bests: Progress on the Course

Despite the demanding field, Head Coach Kenneth Apande had plenty of reasons to celebrate. Every member of the North American cross-country team recorded a season-best performance at the meet, providing positive momentum heading into conference championship season.

"This week our XC team did a fabulous job. They all had season bests. Please make sure to tell them congratulations when you see them," Apande said.

The Stallions will restart their lifting cycle this week, with high-repetition workouts planned as the team continues its preparation for the postseason.

Competing against nationally ranked programs provided NAU with a valuable measuring stick. The depth of the field, different training environments, and experience of the competition offered lessons in pacing, race management, and the consistency needed to compete at the next level.

The results were challenging, but the season-best performances are a tangible sign of progress. Now, the goal is to carry that progress into the conference meet.

Building More Than a Team

The excitement surrounding North American athletics extends beyond the course. New Athletic Director Kaan Isbilen, who has been a consistent presence at the Stallions' soccer matches since beginning his tenure, is eager to discuss the itinerary for the team's final meet.

Isbilen has also emphasized the importance of Apande's contributions to the athletics department, recognizing his role in helping establish the program and the class he brings to his work.

That character is part of the standard Apande's athletes carry with them. Being a Champion of Character means representing North American University with accountability, respect, and professionalism, regardless of the scoreboard.

As the department continues to grow, that foundation remains just as important as the results on the course.
Results

Up Next: RRAC Championships

The Stallions now turn their attention to the Red River Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships, where the lessons from Old Glory Gallop will meet the challenge of conference competition.

Season bests have set a positive tone. The next assignment is to turn that progress into a championship-level performance.

Triple D tested the Stallions. Now it's time to bring that experience to the conference stage.

Rev. Jackson | Sports Broadcast

THIS JUST IN: DID SOMEONE SAY RECORDS 
A major highlight for the Stallions was Abbott Acosta, who added his name to the North American University record books with a school-record performance. His achievement at the RICE Inv. stands as another sign of the progress happening within the program, showing that even against a deep field of national-level competition, the Stallions continue to reach new milestones.