This week's Pioneer Spotlight focuses on two distance runners - Cole McKain from men's cross country and Madison Gomez from women's cross country. With two meets on the trails already in 2024, the runners will look for even faster distance times heading into this week's meet in the Cougar Challenge in San Marcos.
Cole McKain - Sr.Already McKain has been on the All-CCAA men's cross country team three times as he will look to be there again after the CCAA Championships in Fresno in late October. To start his senior campaign, he won the men's 4-mile during the Seawolf Invitational/CCAA Preview then followed up his win the next week as the fastest Division II runner in the men's 8k of the Stump Invitational.
"Being a Pioneer means showing up everyday and giving 110%." says McKain.
McKain's roots are inspired by his family. "I am inspired by my Papa who hasn't missed a race and has always had so much faith in me."
The Information Technology major from Merced has parallel points of focus during his remaining time at East Bay. "My short term goals are to learn more in cybersecurity and to focus on each race at a time. Long term goals are to win the CCAA, to pass my certifications and to graduate!"
After running competitively as a collegiate athlete, McKain hopes to take his education and running beyond the campus. "I envision being really happy with my career choice, I will still be running and racing frequently and will be able to spend more time with family."
Madison Gomez - Jr.Back on September 14, Gomez achieved her fastest 5k (18:26.4) time in the Stump Invitational. In 2023, she ran a 6k personal best of 22:20.8 (13th fastest 6k time in program history) in the Cougar Challenge, as she will return to the same course this week in hopes of an even faster 6k.
When Gomez isn't running, she enjoys thrifting, spendding time with her friends, going to concerts and watching movies.
Latest Women's Cross Country
- MEET RECAP: Women's Cross Country at NCAA Division II West Regional ChampionshipsBILLINGS, Mont. — The Cal State East Bay women's cross country team finished 18th out of 31 teams at the NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country West Region Championships held Saturday morning at Amend Park.
- CHAMPIONSHIP MEET RECAP: Cal State East Bay Women's Cross Country at CCAA ChampionshipsFRESNO, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay women's cross country team secured a seventh-place finish among 11 teams at the 2024 CCAA Cross Country Championships, presented by Pollo Campero, held Friday morning at Woodward Park.
- MEET RECAP: Women's Cross Country at Bronco InvitationalSUNNYVALE, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay women's cross country program made a limited appearance at the Bronco Invitational held Saturday morning at Baylands Regional Park.
- This Week in Pioneer Athletics (Oct.. 16-22)Alumni Weekend is approaching this week with activities surrounding volleyball and men's and women's soccer on Thursday in Hayward as well as the Pioneers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday.
- Cal State East Bay Athletics Champions Diversity, Equity, and InclusionHAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay is proud to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as integral components of our campus culture and community. In our ongoing efforts to foster an environment where every individual feels valued and respected, we are excited to join the NCAA in celebrating its 2024 Week of Inclusion.
- MEET RECAP: Women's Cross Country at SF State InvitationalSAN FRANCISCO — The Cal State East Bay women's cross country team finished fifth out of 10 scoring teams at the SF State Invitational held Friday afternoon in Golden Gate Park. The Pioneers placed fourth among eight NCAA Division II teams in the 6k race.