The College of DuPage men's and women's cross country teams each captured NJCAA Division III Region 4 championships on Oct. 31 at Plum Grove Reservoir Park in Palatine, marking a championship day for the Chaparrals.

The women's team claimed the regional title with 19 points, finishing ahead of Harper College (50) and Joliet Junior College (52). Daniela Beto Tecaxco led the way individually, winning the Division III race with a time of 20:20.7.

The Chaparrals placed four runners among the top five finishers. Nicole Jarek finished third in 21:15.2, followed by Makena Brown in fourth at 21:37.0 and Shaylee Powell in fifth at 21:37.1. Fatima Moreno added a sixth-place finish in 21:50.0.

Beto Tecaxco's regional championship performance also earned her USTFCCCA Athlete of the Week honors. Beto Tecaxco, Jarek, Brown and Powell were all named All-Region.

Head coach Mallory Dominguez praised the women's performance, noting the excitement surrounding the opportunity to compete in a 5K race.

"I thought the ladies did exceptionally well," Dominguez said. "They haven't had a chance to run a 5K and I know they were all quite excited to get to do so, and I think that showed on the course."

Dominguez also highlighted Beto Tecaxco's individual championship and the team's four All-Region selections.

"Daniela winning the region was very exciting. She has been a very strong racer all season. And to get 4/5 All-Region spots was awesome. The girls ran really well."

The men's team secured its regional championship with 30 points, finishing ahead of Harper College (41) and Joliet Junior College (71).

Michael Gamboa paced the Chaparrals with a second-place finish in 26:11.6. Brendan Spahn followed in fifth at 27:36.9, while Austin Best finished sixth in 27:41.7. Zach Bacci added an eighth-place finish in 28:06.1, and Matthew Wick rounded out the team's top five in ninth at 28:08.0. Gamboa and Spahn earned All-Region honors.

Dominguez credited the men's depth and disciplined approach throughout the race for the championship performance.

"The men ran a smart and strong race. They ran with each other and were controlled in the front half of the race and were able to fight and move up throughout the second half," Dominguez said. "There's great depth in this team and that helped them win the title."

With both regional championships secured, the Chaparrals will turn their attention to the NJCAA Division III National Championships on Nov. 14 in Huntsville, Alabama. The women's team will look to defend its national championship after winning last year's title in Fort Dodge, Iowa, while the men will aim to improve on their national runner-up finish.

Learn more about athletics at College of DuPage.