IRVINE, Calif. – Three Concordia University Irvine cross country members were recognized Tuesday for their hard work and stellar performances at this past weekend's Coyote Challenge.

On the women's side, senior Bailey Wade was named PacWest Runner of the Week for the first time in her career. Wade placed third overall out of 146 runners and completed the 5K race in under 18 minutes (17:58.82) to earn her highest finish ever as an Eagle. The Orange, Calif. native and El Modena HS alum was also one of five CUI women to finish in the Top 23 and helped the Green and Gold earn a second place finish out of 12 teams.  The Eagles accumulated a total of 66 points, which was the best score of any NCAA Division II team in the race.

"Coach (Keegan Bloomfield) was telling me he thought I could get top 10," admitted Wade. "So I had that goal and was just trying to concentrate on picking (the pace) up during the second half of the race."

The conference also chose CUI newcomer Jori Paradis as the PacWest Freshman of the Week. Paradis crossed the line in 18th place just a handful of spots behind Wade. The Silverton HS alum from Oregon claimed a 5K time of 18:25:87, which led all CUI freshmen. In addition, the Eagles freshman class turned in solid outings across the board with seven first-year racers placing in the Top 50 on the women's side.

"I'm incredibly proud of our team's performance," said Paradis. "After the race, I knew we did well because I saw all of our girls come in pretty quick but I didn't realize how well we all did until we started cooling down and talking about our races. It was so exciting to hear how well so many of the girls did, it made me realize how much potential we all have and how united we are."

"I think it's pretty amazing," said Wade. "We have a very diverse group with different personalities which makes it exciting because we are all hungry for the next opportunity. We are off to a good start and I'm pretty excited for all of the freshmen. I'm like a proud mama."

CUI freshman Jose Munguia was named PacWest Freshman of the Week on the men's side after he turned in a 27th place finish at the Coyote Classic (25:30.65).  In just his second collegiate race, the Tustin HS alum improved his 8k time by more than 90 seconds and helped the Eagles vault into second place out of 10 teams. He was one of four CUI runners on the men's side to work their way into the Top 30.

"I was thrilled knowing that I was able to help the team as much as I did, but my teammates were the ones who pushed me during the race," said Munguia. "I saw them near me and I did my best to stay with them."

"Being recognized by the conference is an amazing feeling, but I couldn't of done it without the help of my teammates," added Munguia. "So I thank them and now I will use the recognition as a motivation to keep working hard throughout the rest of my college career."
 
The next test for Wade, Paradis and Munguia and their teammates comes this weekend when CUI travels to Sacramento. The Eagles will partake in the Capital Cross Challenge hosted by Sacramento State on Saturday, Sept. 28.
 
For the full CUI cross country schedule, click here.