Recognizing Salt Lake Community College's Cross Country Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Salt Lake Community College Cross Country program, a testament to the dedication, hard work, and indomitable spirit of Utah's student-athletes. In just 18 short months since its inception, Salt Lake Community College's Cross Country program has soared to remarkable heights. The women's Cross- Country team achieved an outstanding 3rd place at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Cross Country National Championship, securing victory at the 2023 Scenic West Championship.

Equally impressive, the men's team claimed the 8th spot nationally and conquered the 2023 Scenic West Championship. Unsurprisingly, 77 percent of the women athletes and 65 percent of the men's team hail from the great state of Utah, showcasing the program's commitment to nurturing local talent. On November 11, 2023, the men's team displayed their prowess as Runner-Ups at the NJCAA National Championship in Huntsville, Alabama, with JQ Harris, an SLCC runner, clinching the men's Individual Championship.

The women's Cross-Country team went even further, securing not one but two national championships. On November 11, 2023, they triumphed at the NJCAA National Championship in Huntsville, Alabama, and two days later, they emerged victorious at the Half Marathon National Championship. These victories marked a historic moment for SLCC, claiming their first national championships in women's sports. The college now boasts an impressive tally of five national championships across women's and men's sports.

Behind this success are the dedicated coaches and leaders I would like to recognize: Head Coach Isaac Wood, named the NJCAA National Coach of the Year for Cross-Country; Assistant Coaches Kelsey Gilbert, Aiden Carlson, Tom Gruenewald; and Athletic Director Kevin Dustin.

As a former athlete and Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, I am proud of the Salt Lake Community College Cross Country program's remarkable achievements, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship, resilience, and dedication. I thank them for their example as their continued success inspires aspiring athletes across Utah and beyond.

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