Mesa Cross Country Holds Top National Rankings in Latest NJCAA Poll

Tuesday October 1,  2025 - 3:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger

The Mesa Community College cross country teams remain among the best in the country in the newest NJCAA Division II Coaches' Poll, with the women ranked No. 2 and the men holding steady at No. 4.

Women's Cross Country

The Thunderbird women, the defending NJCAA Division II national champions, checked in at No. 2 in the latest rankings and received one first-place vote. Mesa had previously shared the top spot in the poll with Paradise Valley. The women have been paced by freshman Olivia Baker, who continues to impress as the program's frontrunner. Baker most recently finished 4th overall at the Dave Murray Invitational, further strengthening her case as one of the top NJCAA runners in the country.

Men's Cross Country

The Mesa men held their No. 4 position in the rankings, continuing a strong season that has shown consistency and depth. Sophomore Cal Schnepf has been the team's top runner in three consecutive meets, including a 37th-place finish at the Dave Murray Invitational.