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The Loyola Marymount University Lions men's and women's cross country teams head into the postseason on Friday, Nov. 15 for the NCAA West Regional Championships in Colfax, Washington. The Championships, hosted by Washington State University at Colfax Golf Club, will mark a second time on this course for LMU following an earlier trip for the Cougar Classic where both the men's and women's teams finished fourth. The Championship will begin with the women's 6k at 11:30 a.m. followed by the men's 10k at 12:30 p.m.
 
"We're really looking forward to this Regional meet. We've got great momentum going into the race, all season both teams have been steadily improving and we are in position to peak at the right time," said head coach Scott Guerrero. "We've got several seniors on the team for whom this is their last Regional race, so that should provide extra incentive. Everyone is fit and excited, so I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do on Friday."
 
The Lions had a strong regional finish last year highlighted by Koby Pederson's school record time of 29:44.1 which was good for third place overall and earned him a trip the NCAA Championships. The men's team placed 13th overall, which tied their highest ever finish at the West Regional. On the women's side, the Lions were 17th out of 36 teams in the race in 2018. Like the men, the women started well behind the pack in 29th after the first mile and strategically moved up to 19th with a little more than a mile left, then 17th at the finish.
 
Competing over 10k for the Lions on the men's side are Zach Arias, Kyle Friedler, Joseph Garcia, Roc Johnson, Simeon Paul, Roberto Ruelas and Jacob Villegas. 
 
Women representing LMU in the 6k are Kyla Danforth, Avery Doan, Raina Hines, Ann Kelly, Dani Rowlinson and Hannah Wohlenberg.  
 
"For a few of us this is our last Regional meet and maybe our last time representing LMU. Hannah, Ann and I are all seniors, so our plan is to go out there and give it all we've got against the best in the Region," said Kyla Danforth. "My personal goal is to start out in the top 50 and then in the last mile, see how many people I can catch. For the team, I hope everyone runs the best they possibly can to close off the season strong."

The top two teams in Friday's race automatically qualify for the NCAA National Championships and there is also an opportunity for teams to get an at-large berth depending on their performance throughout the season. Participants can qualify individually and as a team, and to qualify they must finish in the top-25 and be one of the top-4 individuals not on a qualifying team.
 
Koby Pederson's third place Regional finish last year made him the first male cross country athlete in LMU history to qualify for the National Championship. Four LMU women have qualified individually, including Danielle Shanahan, Sheree Shea, Tara Erdmann and Laura Mickelson.