Fort Dodge, IA – In fierce, snowy conditions, the Monroe University men's cross country team took on the challenge at the 2025 NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championships this past weekend.
 
Sophomore Nkanyezi Ziqubu made it his fifth and final first place finish amongst Monroe runners over the course of the cross country season, running a time of 26:51.40 in the snowy conditions.
 
Freshman Boitshepo Mashilo ran a time of 28:32.50 to come in second behind Ziqubu. Fellow freshman Yassine Rahoui followed suit with a time of 29:02.60.
 
Freshman Jazir Harris clocked in at 34:40.60, with freshman Modou Sanneh rounding out the Mustang competitors with a time of 36:55.40.
 
"This was a tough one for us — the weather was brutal, the conditions were slick and tough for not only us, but for all the runners," head coach Shirvon Greene said, "I am very proud of each and every one of the guys. They embraced the challenge head one and did their very best despite the conditions. Each runner fought and hung tough and I am very happy with each of them. We will use these next couple of days to rest up. They truly deserve it."
 
The Mustangs conclude their cross country season and will not set their sights on preparation for the 2026 indoor track and field season, which commences in January.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).