Westcliff University Warriors men’s and women’s cross country teams each secured third place at the 2026 Cal Pac Championships on November 1 at West Valley High School in Cottonwood, California. Emmanuel Cheruiyot led the men’s team with a seventh-place finish in the men’s 8K race, earning First Team All-Cal Pac recognition with a time of 32:35.12.
The women’s team posted a strong group performance, with four runners finishing consecutively from 12th through 15th place. Alison Cano was the top female finisher for Westcliff, placing 12th in 34:04.65. Vanessa Alvarado, who also wrestles for Westcliff, finished 14th in the cross country race after an undefeated wrestling showing at the Simpson Duals.
Alvarado achieved a remarkable dual-sport weekend by going 3-0 at the Simpson Duals wrestling tournament—including a technical-fall victory over a returning NJCAA national champion—before racing to a 14th-place finish at the cross country championships with a time of 35:17.78.
Head coach Gus Schmader highlighted Cheruiyot’s All-Conference honor and praised the men’s effort to try to secure second place despite falling short. He also commended the women’s team for their cooperative racing strategy and lauded each member for their effort and dedication.
Simpson College claimed both the men’s and women’s team titles at the championships. Justin Montoya won the men’s individual championship for the second consecutive year, and Kylie Erickson took the women’s individual title. Westcliff’s cross country teams grew substantially over the season, expanding from just three men’s runners early in the year to a fuller roster reflective of increasing program development.
CSB Take
Westcliff University Warriors cross country demonstrated marked growth and competitiveness during the 2026 season. Emmanuel Cheruiyot’s All-Cal Pac recognition and Vanessa Alvarado’s impressive dual-sport weekend highlight individual and team dedication. This progress, coupled with program expansion, establishes a solid foundation for future success and increased competitiveness within the Cal Pac conference.
Source: Original report
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