Marcelo Laguera (Sr., Chihuahua, Mexico) became the first cross country national champion in program history after crossing the finish line first and claim the 2018 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship.
Laguera clocked a time of 31:46.4 on a cold and wet day and on a muddy and slippery path at the Bob O'Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh. He won by seven seconds to the favorite entering the race, Zach Panning of Grand Valley State University.Â
As a team, the ThunderWolves placed 17th overall.
Laguera is now a four-time All-American honor in cross country. He finished 23rd (31:36.9) at last season's championships and was 22nd (30:58.3) as a sophomore. Laguera was 25th (30:17.2) when he qualified as an individual as a freshman.
This season, he totaled three wins and was runner-up three times, which included finishing second at the regional and conference meets this year to earn all-region and all-league honors.
