Dukes Win Lobo Invite in Stunning Display of Pack Running

Dukes Track Club after winning 2011 Lobo Invite

The Dukes faced tough competition from the UNM Lobos, the NM State Aggies, and the UTEP Miners in the State's largest cross country invitational this morning at UNM's North Campus Golf Course.  Despite having only one runner in the top ten, the Dukes placed all of their top five in the top twenty finishers and won the Men's College Open race outright.  The Dukes' relentless pack-running strategy carried the day, as their top five was separated by a mere 44 seconds (25:20 to 26:04).  Jesse Armijo was again tops for the Dukes and displayed his excellent cross country talent placing 4th overall.  Allen Wagner, Solomon Kandie, and Neal Holtschulte donned the Dukes jersey for the first time and are an impressive addition to the team. The Dukes will now turn their talents to the roads seeking Olympic Trials Qualifiers for the marathon this Fall.

Official results here.

Other outstanding runners competing for the Dukes today included: Chris Peverada, Mark Pepple, JD, Dana Patton, Loren Wohletz, and Trevor Manzanares.

The Dukes extend special thanks to their supportive fans, especially Lauren Patton, Josh Fristoe, Laura Bowerman, Laura Bresson and family, Maria & Emo, Mbarak & Liana Hussein and the Kenyan Contingent, Scott, and Miguel Sandoval.  Thanks for all the cheers. Go DUKES!

Team Scores:

#1           Dukes Track Club

4              Jesse Armijo

11            Allen Wagner

12            Neal Holtschulte

14            Kristopher Houghton           

17            Solomon Kandie

58            Total Team Points

#2          University of Texas, El Paso

3            Elkana Rotich

7            Justice Chirchir

9            Abel Koskey

10           Solomon Gardea

31           Juan Blanco

60           Total Team Points

#3          New Mexico State University

5            Jonah Ruybalid

6            Kevin Taft

15          Victor Sanchez

18           Ian Ruybalid

22           Ryan Fenton

66           Total Team Points

#4          University of New Mexico

1            Nicholas Kipruto

8            Pierre Malherbe

19           Edwin Herring

20           Allen Pittman

32           Gabe Aragon

80           Total Team Points