(August 30, 2025) Mena, Arkansas - After a successful season and a Region 2 Runner-Up finish in 2024, the Bucks returned to the course in 2025 looking to climb back to the top of NJCAA Region 2. The Bucks return a pair of sophomores in Alfred Rodriguez (Dalhart, TX) and Noah Burns (Weatherford, TX). The men hit the course this morning at Beaver Fork Lake in the UCA Bear Invitational. 

The Bucks started the season with a 5K race against NCAA DI and DII competition. 

Eytan Mirie (Langton, Ontario) led the way for the Bucks in his college debut. He finished 17th overall with a 15:31.98, which is a new school record in a 5K race. 

Aiden Kimp (Mena, AR) follwed Mirie with a 16:57.22 and finished 29th overall. Ethan Mazzola (Benton, AR) was shortly behind, placing 33rd with a 17:40.84.

The rest of the Bucks finished as follows:

35th - Camren Lynn-Edward Smith (Bella Vista, AR) - 17:43.93

36th - Julio Alfonso Grano (Waldron, AR) - 17:51.75

39th - Noah Burns - 18:38.72

40th - Alfred Rodriguez - 18:51.80

41st - Hunter Solomon (Nederland, TX) - 19:55.87

Complete race results here >>> https://milesplit.live/meets/699456/events/1/results/F/M. 

The Bucks return to action on Saturday, September 6th, at UT Tyler.

#DefendTheMountain