Everything the Moraine Valley Community College men’s cross country team set out to do this season, they accomplished, including having four runners compete at the NJCAA Division II Championship in Richmond, Virginia.
Among the team goals was to win a fifth consecutive Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship, which the Cyclones achieved on Oct. 19. The following week, they finished second at the NJCAA Region 4 Championship, qualifying four runners for nationals.
“The men did what we expected. We had a goal to win conference and achieved that. We didn’t falter,” said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas, who finished his ninth season leading the program in addition to earning his 12th Conference Coach of the Year award.
With a full roster, the sophomores collectively led the team’s efforts, earning honors along the way. Andrew Sima (Shepard) was only the 12th runner in the program’s history to earn All-Conference and All-Region honors both years he ran for Moraine Valley. He came into the season with personal goals of being the top Cyclone runner, breaking 28 minutes in the 8K and competing at nationals for a second consecutive year. He accomplished all.
Joel Vargas-Cortes (Argo) was the team’s best surprise during the second half of the season, according to Dimizas. He approached the second half with a renewed focus on practices and competitions, earning All-Conference and All-Region honors and a trip to nationals, where he clocked a personal record.
Dimizas is especially proud of Noah Rigoni-Kreczmer (Stagg) because he returned to the team after ending his freshman season early due to injury. This year, he put in the work for a comeback that earned him a trip to nationals along with All-Conference and All-Region honors.
Sophomores Demario Angarita (Nazareth Academy) and Robert Slezak (Oak Lawn) have consistently grown and improved over the last two years. “Demario put in more work than anybody and improved by two minutes from last year,” Dimizas said. “Robert wanted to break 35 minutes and came close a few times, but finally did, and broke 34 minutes at regionals. I’ve enjoyed watching him grow as a person and build confidence.”
Among the newcomers was Santana Garcia (Shepard), who took two years off after high school before coming to Moraine Valley. “He wasn’t a surprise to me but was to everyone else he ran against. He wanted to be an All-Conference and All-Region runner and get to nationals, which he did,” Dimizas said. “I’m excited to see what he’ll do next year.” Garcia also earned a PR at the national championship.
Freshmen Brennan Rudolph (Andrew) and Jacob Madera (Shepard) motivated one another all season and alternated who finished ahead at each competition. While they were competitive, each made the other a better runner, leading to both earning All-Conference honors. Dimizas hopes to see them continue that encouragement in the offseason.
Jesse Correa (Oak Lawn) had several PRs throughout the season and continued to improve. Josue Trujillo (Reavis) didn’t get as much time racing due to injury but maintained a positive attitude Dimizas hopes to see next year.
This crew blended seamlessly with the women’s team to create a solid Cyclone unit. Several of the sophomores intend to continue their education and running careers at a four-year college or university and while Dimizas is happy for them, he will miss them. With potential returners and a slew of talented recruits, Dimizas is excited for the opportunity to repeat the success of this season in 2025.
For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
