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Starting in 1979 the Adams State men's cross country program captured their first of three consecutive NAIA national titles. The streak began in Kenosha, Wisconsin, at the 1979 championship meet where Sam Montoya (24:53.0) became the first Adams State student-athlete to run to an individual title. The feat landed Montoya All-American recognition as teammates John Esquibel, Tom White, and the late Pat Porter also earned All-American honors. Adams State accumulated 63 points as runner-up Wisconsin-La Crosse tallied 123.
1980 ushered in the first of two consecutive individual titles for Porter. At the championship meet in Salina, Kansas, Porter's winning time of 24:28.5 helped Adams State establish a then program-best 48 points en route to the title. Joining Porter with All-American distinction were Esquibel, White, and Peter Graham.
Adams State returned to Kenosha for the 1981 NAIA Championships as Porter clocked a first place time of 24:55.0. The title run landed four Adams State runners as All-Americans for the third consecutive season. Earning All-American status were Porter, Graham, Montoya, and John Thomas. With 76 points, Adams State once again fended off Wisconsin-La Crosse who placed second with 109 points.
All three championship runs resulted in NAIA National Coach of the Year honors for legendary coach Joe I. Vigil.
Adams State preceded each national championship with Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) titles. The conference dominance resulted in no second place team finishing closer than 40 points to Adams State's winning point total.
The three year dynasty helped to establish Adams State as a national cross country powerhouse. Despite leaving the NAIA prior to the 1992 season, Adams State still holds a NAIA record 12 team titles and 8 individual champions.
In total, the championship teams feature five individuals who are inducted into the Adams State Athletic Hall of Fame (Porter, Montoya, Esquibel, Graham, and Vigil). Furthermore, all three teams, along with Porter and Vigil, have been inducted into the RMAC Hall of Fame.
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