COTTONWOOD, Calif. - The Red Hawks Cross Country team began its season this weekend as they hosted Southern Oregon, Oregon Tech, and Shasta College at West Valley High School in Cottonwood, CA. 

On the men's side, No. 22 in the nation Southern Oregon took home the top spot with 19 team points, Oregon Tech coming in second with 40 points, and Simpson rounded out the three contenders with 87 points. 

Freshman Justin Montoya had a stellar debut in a Red Hawks uniform as he finished ninth with a time of 28:22.33 in the men's 8,000-meter run. 

Sophomore Cade Salsedo returns from a national appearance last year, as he finished in 13th place with a time of 29:08.35. 

On the women's side, No. 19 in the nation Southern Oregon narrowly edged out Oregon Tech by seven points to finish in the top spot for the 6,000-meter run. 

Graduate student, Jewelia Zaragoza finished with the best time among the Simpson girls squad as she placed 16th with a time of 31:31.87.

Sophomore Nevia Parsons followed close behind as she finished in 18th place with a time of 34:53.71. 

Simpson looks to be back in action September 20th at The Masters University in Santa Clarita, CA. 
 

Be sure to stay up to date and follow us at @simpsonredhawks on Instagram, Facebook, and X.