Submitted photo In-state runners on the Iowa Central cross country team include, front row (left to right): Dalton Baker, David Salazar, Haley Kuchel, Janet Nyamboneka, MacKenzie Gaherty and Levi Son. Middle: Daniel Nordquist, Collin Greenfield, Andy Johnson, Moise Habineza, Andy Garcia and Russell Kenney. Back: Jordan Hustak, Lars Elsbernd, David Hernandez, Colin Johnson, Chase Smith and Will Whalen.

Last fall, the Iowa Central cross country program added four trophies to the collection case, as the women were crowned national champions, the men finished second and both earned silvers at the half-marathon.

The Tritons are split in terms of established runners and newcomers among the women and men for Dee Brown, the director of cross country and track and field, and second-year head coach Nick Ekel.

Brown has been part of 31 championships with the Tritons between cross country, indoor track, outdoor track and half-marathon dating back to 2007.

“Our women have a strong Top-4. They could all be No. 1 runners at any other school in the NJCAA,” Brown said. “The men have a lot of question marks, but certainly some big talent up front.”

Lilian Busienei, Florance Uwajeneza and Winrose Chesang were all part of the national title team last year, with Busienei finishing third overall and Uwajeneza sixth. Chesang, who placed 19th, was the track 5K and 10K champion.

Eleonora Curtabbi, who competed for the track team this past spring and was third in the steeplechase, is a key newcomer, along with Rosalie Fish and Lilia Alvarez.

Milos Pendic and Awet Yohannes were competitors on the team for the Tritons a year ago, with both securing Top-35 finishes at nationals. Yohannes was the NJCAA indoor 3K champion.

Eldad Mulugeta and Chris Levario are newcomers who should make an immediate impact.

“The determining factor will be how well our athletes trained over the summer and how they progress this fall,” Brown said. “There are plenty of opportunities for our No. 5-through-10 athletes right now.”

The men’s roster includes a pair of former area standouts in Andy Johnson and Colin Johnson. Andy Johnson competed for Manson Northwest Webster, with Colin Johnson running for South Central Calhoun.

“They are both really good kids with great attitudes,” Brown said. “They’ll compete junior varsity this season and look to grow.”

The Tritons will be working to be at their best on Nov. 9 when the NJCAA Championships take place in New Mexico. The Region XI Championship is set for Oct. 25 in Ottumwa.

2019 IOWA CENTRAL CROSS COUNTRY

Roster

Men

Sophomores — Noah Bundrock, Lars Elsbernd, Moise Habineza, David Hernandez, Rico Holland, Daniel Nordquist, Milos Pendic, Trevor Ramsdell, David Salazar, Will Valentin, Will Whalen, Tyler Wilson, Awet Yohannes.

Freshmen — Dalton Baker, Yiech Pur Biel, Khalil Bonham, Darius Brown, Noah Friske, Andy Garcia, Collin Greenfield, Ethan Harsell, Jordan Hustak, Andy Johnson, Colin Johnson, Russell Kenney, Vincent Kipkemoi, Chris Levario, Eldad Mulugeta, Isaac Schneidecker, Baraka Sila, Chase Smith, Christian Snawerdt, Levi Son, Andrew Wilson.

Women

Sophomores — Lilian Busienei, Winrose Chesang, MacKenzie Gaherty, Janet Nyamboneka, Florance Uwajeneza.

Freshmen — Lilia Alvarez, Eleonora Curtabbi, Rosalie Fish, Bryana Johnson, Haley Kuchel.

Schedule

Aug. 30 — at Mustang Gallop.

Sept. 6 — at Hawkeye Invitational; 21 — at Woody Greeno.

Oct. 5 — at Chilie Pepper Invitational; 19 — at Jim Drews/Tori Neubauer Invitational; 25 — at Region XI Championship.

Nov. 9 — at NJCAA Championships; 23 — at NJCAA Half-Marathon