University of New Mexico Cross Country Teams Sweep Mountain West Championships in Reno
The University of New Mexico cross-country teams swept the Mountain West Championships in Reno, Nevada, capturing both team titles and individual crowns for the third consecutive season. Running at Washoe Golf Course, the program secured its 28th total conference title on Saturday, driven by a record-breaking performance from Pamela Kosgei and a rare perfect score from the men’s squad.
With this accomplishment, UNM has achieved a three-peat of team title sweeps for the first time since claiming both the men’s and women’s crowns across six consecutive years from 2009-2014. Darren Gauson earned his third straight sweep of the Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year honors for UNM, while Faith Ngetich and Pasanjo Kitonga collected the Women’s Freshman of the Year and MW Men’s Freshman of the Year accolades, respectively.
Pamela Kosgei Secures Historic Third Individual Title
Pamela Kosgei rebounded from a 13th-place finish at the Nuttycombe Invitational after losing a shoe early in the race, running the 6K course in 18 minutes, 49.4 seconds to win her third straight conference title. Kosgei became the first woman in Mountain West history to win three individual cross country titles, and the first to win in sub-19 minutes, finishing ahead of runner-up Mercy Kirarei (19:19.3). Cristina Nisoli placed third in 19:58.6, helping the shorthanded UNM women’s team—competing without injured NCAA outdoor 5K champion Marion Jepgnetich—place all five scoring runners in the top seven to total 19 points, ahead of runner-up Wyoming (55).
Another @MountainWest team title secured 🔒Behind a 1-2-3 finish and all five scorers in the Top 7, the Lobo women win their 18th conference championship in the last 19 years!#GoLobos pic.twitter.com/XLQYuojmgV
Evans Kiplagat Leads Men’s Squad to a Perfect Score
Evans Kiplagat won the first individual conference title of his career, completing the 8K course in 22:54.3 to edge out Pasanjo Kitonga in the final stretch. The UNM men’s team achieved a rare perfect score of 15 points by taking the first seven individual spots, with Kitonga finishing second in 22:56.1 and Collins Kiprotich taking third in 23:00.2. The men’s squad secured their fourth straight conference championship, besting runner-up Air Force (54) and Wyoming (84).
Habtom Samuel Departs for Professional Career With HOKA
Following a historic career, five-time national champion Habtom Samuel has signed a professional contract with HOKA. Samuel, a 13-time First Team All-American and the 2025-26 Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year, announced his decision over the summer to turn pro and forfeit his remaining collegiate eligibility. Previously signed under an NIL contract, Samuel will join the HOKA NAZ ELITE team in Flagstaff, Ariz. after completing his degree at UNM this semester.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lobo Postseason Schedule
When and where is the next meet for the UNM cross country teams?
The Lobos host the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships on Nov. 13 on their home course in Albuquerque.
Which tough competitors will UNM face at the regional championships?
The UNM region will feature heavyweight programs including the No. 1 BYU women, the No. 3 Colorado men, and the No. 5 Northern Arizona women.
How many conference championships has the UNM program won overall?
The program holds 28 Mountain West cross-country team championships, comprising 18 women’s titles and 10 men’s titles.
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