This year, the men’s cross country team has had a building year but still has key runners and goals to accomplish success.

The team has worked well through practice, running two hours a day and is showing Coach Matt Hart some needed hope.

“They continue to improve and that is big for us,” Hart said. He is in his first year back at MHCC, after leaving to coach at Portland State from 2003-04.

Last weekend the team was scheduled to participate in the Lewis and Clark Pioneer Open, but Hart had the meet taken off the schedule to get in a training day.

“It was very benefitcial to us,” said Hart concerning the extra training day, “it allows more diversity in our training.”

Hart took the team to Glendover golf course Saturday to do a mix of low impact and aggressive training.

The team will be participating in this year’s Beaver Open at Oregon State University on Oct. 22.

“It’s more of a low-key meet but it’s still a lot of fun,” said Hart of the annual open. Though this year has been a change for the team, or what Hart says “a different program,” the team still has a standout to look to.

“Sophomore Alejandro Domiquez-Morales has been are most consistent runner and continues to improve by the day,” said Hart. Domiquez-Morales’ personal record this season is 27:49 which he placed at the Clark Invite Oct. 8.

“We are looking good when it comes to our future,” said Hart. The team is a week away from the Southern Region Championships, then following that weekend will be the NWAACC Championships.  

Hart is pleased with where the team is at, considering that he “came into this not knowing the athlete’s from last year and didn’t know what to expect,” said Hart.