WICHITA, Kan. — The Moundbuilders men's and women's cross country teams opened their 2025 campaign at the J.K. Gold Classic on Saturday morning at the Clapp Cross Country Course in Wichita. 

The Moundbuilders had two men enter the 6,000-meter (3.73-mile) collegiate race and one woman enter the 5,000-meter (3.12-mile) collegiate race. The 6,000-meter race distance was a first for both men; the duo had previously only competed at the 5,000-meter and 8,000-meter distances in collegiate cross country events. 

Sophomore Derek Ponce-Gonzales led the way for the Builders on the men's side with a time of 24:29.75, placing 140th in a highly competitive race. Senior Jamell Sanchez finished soon after with a time of 24:59.59, earning him the 146th overall position. 

Senior Lauryn Peterson ran confidently for the Builders on the women's side. Peterson finished in an impressive 111th position with a time of 27:48.59 in a competition filled with NCAA Division I Student-Athletes. 

The Southwestern cross country program will be back in action on October 3rd as the Builders travel to Chanute, Kan., for the Neosho County Community College Invitational.