All Run and No Play Would Make Cross Country Dull Boys

Lasting impressions: 2022 roster shenanigans

With spunk only achieved by few athletes in the height of the competitive season, the Bronco men’s cross country team roster pictures have become a major topic of discussion in the Twittersphere. Highlighting various hairstyles and facial expressions, the photos reflect a team that doesn’t take public image too seriously and chooses instead to focus on team dynamics and connectedness.  

Athlete and junior EJ Odocayen-Cruz said it best: “Our program isn’t looking to catch everyone’s attention with just our mustaches and faces. We also want to cement ourselves as an elite D1 program in the NCAA and we feel that we’re on that track right now."

A now-viral tweet by Twitter user @TBGoPokes has been the main source of popularity for the team lately, with the caption of “Santa Clara Men’s Cross Country team is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen @edsbs.” Soon after the Bronco photos went viral, the Luther College men’s cross country retweeted their roster with similar pictures, adding to the unique community atmosphere that is collegiate running.

Heading into his 14th year of coaching cross country at Santa Clara, Head Coach Felipe Montoro has seen hundreds of athletes come across the Bronco stage – and knows that funny roster pictures are a long-standing tradition, reflecting the atmosphere of the team.

“The guys work hard at being good teammates, and I think as a result they are able to really help each other through the pretty challenging training and racing schedule we keep,” Montoro said. “They also know when to have fun and when to get serious...most of the time.”

In the highly competitive world of collegiate running, finding solidarity and bonding with teammates can get tough. When asked about the team dynamic, Coach Montoro noted that the men’s cross country roster has consistently been deeply connected and supportive.

“All they have ever been doing is trying to make each other laugh, and this year was the same,” Montoro said. “Big picture: we don't take ourselves too seriously and we are really grateful for the opportunities to spend time together working hard, testing ourselves in competition and having fun.”

While coaches have a unique perspective on their teams, the athletes themselves have the best scoop on the internal workings. When asked similarly about the team dynamic and unity, Odocayen-Cruz reflected on his teammates and the good-natured fun they work to incorporate every season.

“I think our culture and atmosphere on the team is one of the things we pride ourselves on. We’re supportive and don’t see each other just as teammates, but family also,” said Odocayen-Cruz. “I feel like every one of us stands out in some type of way and we build each other up to be the best version of ourselves.”

With an impressive performance throughout the year and the West Coast Conference (WCC) championships coming up, there’s much left to look forward to in the home stretch of the season. The championship is set to take place in Portland, Oregon’s Fernhill Park on October 28. All the races that weekend will be streamed live through the WCC Network at www.wccsports.com. 

Check out the Santa Clara Athletics official website for updates to race schedules, final placements, and more as the season winds down. As the team runs their hearts out in preparation for competition, the Bronco fan base is with them every mile of the way. Go forth and set the world on fire, Broncos!