ROUND ROCK, Texas – The University of Texas Cross Country programs began the 2018 season with a successful night at the Texas Invitational at Old Settlers Park. Running against Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M, Destiny Collins won the women’s race while Pedro Nasta won the men’s race. Both the Longhorn women and men won their respective races.
Collins ran a 12:58.20 to take home the victory on the women’s side in the 4k. Senior Alex Cruz ran a 13:20.10 to take second place. The Longhorns ran a full lineup on the women’s side, as the top 18 runners were all Longhorns. Junior Abby Guidry finished fourth, while sophomore Skyler Bollinger was fifth.
On the men’s side, Pedro Nasta won the 5k with at time of 15:06.10. Matthew McClellan finished third with a 15:22.90 while freshman Thomas Hinojosa was third. Junior Trevor Heinz finished fifth while freshmen Brandon Gracia and Brendan Hebert were seventh and eighth to round out the Longhorn men’s lineup.
“That was a nice way for Pedro to start his season,” men’s cross country coach Pete Watson said. “He showed up determined for a result and got it. It was the first time in a Texas uniform for many of the guys and they got to leave the meet with a win. That is a positive way to start their careers.”