19 Oct 2022 NPC cross country competes in invitational

MAGNOLIA — National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in the Lois Davis Invitational at Southern Arkansas University Friday, Oct. 14, with the Nighthawk men finishing sixth overall. 

Sophomore Matthew Farias (Miami, FL) clocked in at 29:41.8 for a 23rd-place finish for the men, while freshman Miguel Mendez (Benton) finished in 28th place with a time of 30:39.3. In women’s action, freshman Natalie Jennings (Hot Springs) led NPC with a time of 24:03.9. NPC did not record a team placement due to having less than five runners participating in the event. 

“The Nighthawk women’s team was impacted by illness before the meet and didn’t qualify for a team score, but the ladies still performed with a lot of determination and ran well overall,” NPC head cross country coach Jason Armitage said. “The men’s cross country team put together their best race to date. Each man ran a significant personal record, running their best times of the season. The inspiration likely came from the Nighthawk baseball team that showed up to cheer for our guys. It put a smile on our faces to see them on the course.” 

NPC men’s and women’s cross country competes in the NJCAA Region II Championship at University of Arkansas-Rich Mountain in Mena on Saturday, Oct. 29 with the women running at 10 a.m., followed by the men at 11 a.m.For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Cross Country online.

Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.