Rivera Named Lone Star Conference
Women’s Runner-of-the-Week
Cross Country Athlete Overcomes Injuries to Finish Race

PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University sophomore cross country athlete Laura Rivera (El Paso, TX/Montwood HS) has been named Lone Star Conference Women’s Runner-of-the-Week for her efforts at the New Mexico Highlands University Cowboy Jamboree, Sept. 25, in Las Vegas, N.M. The ENMU women’s cross country team took 7th place out of nine teams, but it was Rivera’s courage in competing and finishing the race that earned her the LSC’s weekly honor.

Rivera was a possible scratch from the entry list until the last moment due to injuries to both of her knees. She remained on the list of competitors, and, with both knees protected from the wet and muddy course by knee guards, began the race. She completed the 5-kilometer course in 23:47, and placed 28th overall (27th among scorers). Rivera was the second Eastern runner to cross the finish line. Although physically drained after the race, Rivera had overcome her injuries to place in front of ore than half of the field of 66 competitors in the women’s division.

The ENMU cross country teams will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Jamboree. Action gets underway in Stillwater, Okla., at 7 a.m. MDT.