Cross Country News

Written by: NMSU Athletic Dept.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - After a weekend off for rest and recovery, the New Mexico State cross country squads are hitting the road, Friday, Oct. 5, to compete at the Arizona State Invitational in Tempe, Ariz.

Assistant coach Paul Harkins said that the team is ready to get back on the course after a week off and feels that this is a great tune-up for the Santa Clara Invitational, which is the following week and then leading into conference.

"It will be nice to see some different scenery, along with different competition," Harkins said. "But this should be a great meet for us and I am excited about this team and their potential."

Harkins also stated that senior standout Josh Sifuentes (El Paso, Texas) is making his first appearance of the season after sitting out from an injury.

"Josh is a strong runner and should do well for the team, he should be up there with Michael (Hart)," he said.

Written by: NMSU Athletic Dept.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Saturday, Sept. 8 marks a new era of New Mexico State cross country, as head coach Orin Richburg and assistant coach Paul Harkins open the 2007 season. The Aggies will travel to Albuquerque, N.M., to compete at the Lobo Invitational and are taking a solid returning core on the women’s side and a plethora of new additions within the men’s squad.

This will be the first time in recent years that the Aggies open their season against I-25 rival, but both coaches said that they feel confident and are excited as the first meet approaches.

“We are looking forward to this meet,” Richburg and Harkins stated. “It gives us an opportunity to see what we have with the returning student-athletes and to see what we need to do to be successful at the conference meet.”

Written by: NMSU Athletic Dept.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - New Mexico State’s head coach Orin Richburg announced Thursday, Aug. 23 the hire of Paul Harkins as the assistant cross country for the Aggies. Harkins brings six years of coaching experience, along with an impressive athletic career to Las Cruces.

Harkins main responsibilities will include the training of the cross country men’s and women’s teams, along with the middle distance track and field runners. He will also assist in recruiting and day-by-day operations of the program.

Richburg believes that Harkins is a great addition to the program. Harkins was coached by Richburg at the University of Washington and completely understands Harkins work ethic and his commitment to excellence, which have carried over into coaching.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - New Mexico State cross country head coach Orin Richburg announced Tuesday, Aug. 14, the 2007 cross country schedule. The Aggies compete in six races, including three consecutive opening races in the Land of Enchantment.

For the first time in recent history, the Aggies kick off their season in Albuquerque, N.M., competing at the Lobo Invitational, Sept. 8.

A week later, the harriers travel to Santa Teresa, N.M. to compete at the Lori Fitzgerald Invitational looking to improve on the third-place marks set during the 2005 season.

On Sept. 22, both squads compete on their home course, at the Kachina Classic. Last season the women took the crown, with a first-place finish and the men finished seventh.

The first out-of-state race is in Tempe, Ariz., at the Arizona State Invitational. In past seasons, the Aggies have posted impressive marks at this meet, including a women’s third place finish and a men’s sixth-place finish in 2005.