Richmond, VA-At the NJCAA Cross Country National Championships held in Richmond, VA, the East Central Community College men's and women's cross country teams showcased their endurance and determination. Competing in Division III, both teams faced tough national competition. Both programs are in their second year of existence. Head Coach Kenneth Thompson is in his second year as the program's only coach.

Men's Team:
Sophomore Gavin Clark led the men's team with an impressive time of 30:41.9, securing a strong finish at 59th place. Freshman Jaydon Perez also represented East Central, completing the course with a time of 46:25.0 and gaining valuable experience in his first national appearance.

Women's Team:
Freshman Olivia Rudolph delivered an outstanding performance, finishing in 23:48.8, which placed her in the 50th position overall. Fellow freshman Shakendria Dixon finished in 82nd place with a time of 28:02.7, while sophomore Emaliyah King followed closely at 86th with a time of 30:14.9.

Overall, the East Central teams demonstrated grit and commitment at the national level, with strong individual efforts that set a solid foundation for future competitions.