CGTC Cross Country reigns supreme in conference championship

The 2021 season culminated in a victory for the Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) men’s cross country team on Wednesday, as they were named the 2021 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Men’s Cross Country Champions.

For the second-consecutive year, and the second time in program history, the Titans were crowned the champions of the course. With three runners earning top-10 finishes, the Titans secured an impressive win over Oxford College and Georgia Military College.

In his second season as a Titan, sophomore Luis Alvarado used his veteran experience on the course to lead the team to victory. Setting a personal record of 27:00.15, Alvarado earned a first place finish and was named the 2021 GCAA Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Year. Alvarado’s PR was 1:08.47 faster than his time in 2020, in which he also won the runner of the year title.

Sophomore Joshua Flores also ran a great race for the Titans, finishing in second place and setting a personal record of 27:57.02.

Making strides all season, freshman Ivan Guzman came up strong for the Titans finishing in fifth place with a personal record of 29:08.08.

With their top-five finishes, Alvarado, Flores, and Guzman were all named to the 2021 GCAA Men’s Cross Country All-Region Team.

Making a tremendous leap from his freshman season as a walk-on, sophomore Tretavious Jones earned a sixth place finish with a time time of 29:12.01

Rounding out the line-up for the Titans were Dylan Tran (30:48.88) in 11th place and Santiago Vasquez (32:13.77) in 17th place.

“I’m really proud of our program,” said head cross country coach, Craig Lawson. “Winning our second straight championship and Luis winning the overall for the second time is a major milestone for this program. It was a big day for CGTC Cross Country, and we’re looking forward to nationals.”

Adding to the Titans’ reign in the conference, Coach Craig Lawson was named the 2021 GCAA Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the second straight year.

With the regular season in their rearview, the Titans now look to compete in the 2021-2022 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Cross Country Championship on November 13, 2021 in Richmond, VA.

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