The Texas Wesleyan University men and women's cross country teams took part in one of the largest cross country events in the country, the University of Arkansas' Chile Pepper Festival, on Saturday. The Lady Rams posted a 26th place finish while the Rams finished 34th in the massive meet.

The men's competition featured 426 runners and 63 teams. The Rams placed 34th amongst 45 teams in the college division which featured 301 individuals.

Fernando Orellana led the Rams with a time of 26:31.36 to finish 105th. Alan Ramirez was just 10 seconds further back at 26:41.35. Joe Pembroke ran 28:24.95. Cristian Hernandez ran 29:33.89. Joseph Eisen finished in 29:50.45, and Nikolas Westfall scored 30:57.64. 

The women's competition featured 58 teams and 492 runners. The Lady Rams finished 26th.

Maria Galarza led the Rams in a time of 19:21.18 for a solid 79th place finish. Melissa Gonzalez finished in 19:53.43 to place 116th. Abby Chaidez (20:26.96) and Kaitlyn Mendoza (20:26.99) crossed the line together, and Carrie Finson ran 21:31.45.

The Rams are scheduled to return to action on Saturday when they take part in the Oklahoma Baptist Invitational in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

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