ALAMOSA, Colo. – Adams State University cross country opened the 2026 season with a dominant showing at the 33rd annual Joe I. Vigil Open on Saturday morning, as the Grizzlies claimed the individual title in both the men's and women's races.

The Adams State women controlled the front of the 5K, sweeping the top seven positions, while the men placed eight runners among the top 11 in the 8K.

Women's 5K

Mary Ngige set the pace for the Grizzlies, capturing the individual title with a time of 17:12.8.

Adams State continued to control the front of the field behind Ngige. Claragh Keane earned runner-up honors in 17:52.5, while Aspen Fulbright completed a Grizzly sweep of the podium with a third-place finish in 17:57.6.Keira Damron added another highlight for Adams State, finishing fourth overall and recording a personal-best time of 18:06.5. The Grizzlies went on to claim each of the top seven positions and nine of the top 10 overall.

Men's 8K

On the men's side, Thibault Tauziede led the Grizzlies with an individual victory, crossing the finish line in 23:57.0.

Jessiel Paez added another podium finish for Adams State, taking third overall in 24:07.2. Chakib Cherkaoui Rhazouani followed with a fifth-place finish in 24:23.6, while Sfiso Makolomakwa placed seventh with a time of 24:37.9.

The strong group at the front helped Adams State place eight runners among the top 11 finishers, showcasing the Grizzlies' depth in their opening competition of the season.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will look to carry the momentum from their strong season-opening performances into their next competition set for September 26 at the Cowboy Jamboree as the 2026 cross country season continues.