Women's Cross Country | 9/11/2025 4:21:00 PM

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — The Oklahoma Panhandle State women's cross country team sent a trio of runners to the 2025 Mustang Derby in Wichita Falls, Texas, where Shania Chavez spearheaded a fast race for OPSU by setting a school record.
 
Chavez posted a time of 15:37.4 in the women's 4k race, fastest among any runner from the three Sooner Athletic Conference teams competing (Mid-America Christian and Science & Arts).
 
Out of 67 individuals, Chavez placed 17th.
 
Behind the Zuni, New Mexico, native's performance followed Carolina Valenzuela, who finished in 27th with a time of 16:14.6. Lillyan Gerow battled through injuries to cross in 16:37.3, good for 33rd
 
Coach Hall's Thoughts …
 
On the team: "They crushed it today, they ran fantastic. We were looking to be a little more aggressive than we were our first meet. We were also looking to see if we made any progress, get a little better, and they were pretty good today. … We have a really good three-headed monster. They looked fantastic today, so we'll get those two other girls in here with them and see what our team looks like. But very, very pleased with them. … I like where we're headed."
 
As individuals: "I'm not sure what the school record is in the 4k, but Shania had to be pretty close, if she didn't break it. Shania and Carolina are running faster than personal-best levels, and Lillyan's right behind them."
 
What's up next: The Aggies continue their season ramp-up when they head to Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Sept. 26 for the NMHU Cross Country Jam.