BROWNSVILLE, Texas — In its inaugural season, the 51���� Men’s Cross Country team has achieved a remarkable milestone, earning a No. 18 national ranking by the NJCAA, while the women’s team has received bids for national consideration following an outstanding debut season.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Basilio Mendoza, the Scorpions have quickly emerged as a program to watch, combining discipline, teamwork, and determination to make school history. The recognition follows a breakout performance at the NJCAA Region 14 Championship Race, where TSC impressed both fans and competitors with a top showing against some of the toughest programs in the country.

At the regional meet in Brenham, Texas, the Scorpions entered the competition ranked No. 3 in Region 14 and went on to outperform a nationally ranked No. 9 team, a remarkable feat for a first-year program. The men’s team demonstrated unity and endurance throughout the race, while the women’s team showcased growing strength and potential that caught the attention of national ranking committees.

“This team has worked incredibly hard since day one,” said Coach Mendoza. “To see them compete at this level and make an impact in their first season is truly special. They’ve set the foundation for something great here at TSC.”

The Scorpions’ success story isn’t over yet. Both teams are now preparing for the NJCAA National Championships, scheduled for November 8 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where they’ll have the opportunity to represent 51���� on the national stage.

“This national ranking shows that dedication and belief can take you far,” Mendoza added. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re even more excited for what’s ahead.”

The milestone marks an inspiring start for TSC Athletics, reinforcing the college’s commitment to building competitive programs that reflect the talent and spirit of the Rio Grande Valley. With their national debut on the horizon, the Scorpions continue to prove that they belong among the NJCAA’s best.

For more updates on TSC Cross Country and Scorpion Athletics, follow @TSCScorpionsAthletics on social media.

BRENHAM, Texas – October 18, 2025

51����’s Cross Country team made a stunning debut at the NJCAA Region 14 Championship Race, turning heads and exceeding expectations in their first year as a program. Under the leadership of Head Coach Bailio Mendoza, the Scorpions showcased determination, endurance, and heart as they competed against some of the toughest teams in the region.

Entering the competition as the No. 3 team in Region 14, the Scorpions faced seasoned programs and nationally ranked opponents. Despite being new to the collegiate cross country scene, TSC ran with confidence and unity—ultimately outperforming a nationally ranked No. 9 NJCAA team, a remarkable feat that solidified their place as an emerging powerhouse in the conference.

“This team has worked incredibly hard since day one,” said Coach Mendoza. “To see them compete at this level and make an impact in their first season is truly special. They’ve set the foundation for something great here at TSC.”

The competition, held in Brenham, Texas, drew top programs from across the region, with runners battling through challenging terrain and fast-paced competition. TSC’s performance stood out not just for its results, but for the teamwork and spirit displayed throughout the race.

As the Cross Country program closes out its debut season, the Scorpions have proven that dedication and belief can take a team far—even against the odds. The strong showing at the Region 14 Championship marks just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for TSC athletics.

For updates and more on TSC Athletics, visit or follow @TSCScorpions on social media.

The TSC Cross Country OLLU Invitational marked another milestone for 51����’s growing program. Competing in just their inaugural season, the Scorpions men’s and women’s teams turned heads in San Antonio, with strong finishes that highlight their rapid development and competitive spirit.

The men’s team finished second overall in the 8K race, led by freshman Josue Cisneros, who captured an impressive third-place individual finish. The women’s team also made their mark, securing third place in the 6K event and showing continued growth as a unit.

For Head Coach Basilio Mendoza, the results are a reflection of how quickly the Scorpions have adapted to the collegiate level.

“We still held our own,” Mendoza said. “Coming back just three weeks later and competing against established NAIA programs, we ran faster than before — and on a longer course. The guys were really aggressive. Three of them were leading for most of the race, and this was the first time my team ran a competitive 8K.”

The men’s race came down to a narrow margin, with TSC falling just 10 points shy of first place — an impressive result for such a young program.

“We had three guys finish in the top ten, and losing by only ten points shows how close we were,” Mendoza added. “We’ve been racing against well-established programs, and that experience has really built our confidence going into regionals and nationals.”

Mendoza said the team’s morale is high as they continue to gain experience and fitness with each meet.

“This Saturday, we had four guys in the top ten — that’s the type of performance that can win a race,” he said. “Their morale is up, they’re getting fitter, and I can see their hunger in practice. We’re aiming for a top-ten finish at nationals and hoping to make a strong showing at regionals.”

As TSC prepares for the Region 14 Championships on October 18 and the National Championships on November 7, the Scorpions’ inaugural season continues to show promise. Both the men’s and women’s teams are not only competing — they’re establishing themselves as contenders and setting the foundation for a bright future for cross country at 51����.

TSC Cross Country’s Morning Run in��Preparation��for OLLU Invitational in Inaugural Season

Brownsville, TX – The sun had just risen over the 51���� (TSC) campus when the Scorpions cross country team gathered for another spirited morning practice. With team drills, group runs, and even drone shots capturing their effort, the Scorpions trained hard as they prepared for their next big test: the Our Lady of the Lake University Invitational this Saturday in San Antonio.

This fall marks the inaugural season for TSC Cross Country, and the energy is undeniable. Under the guidance of coach Basilio Mendoza, the team is not only building fitness but also laying the foundation for a program that represents the Rio Grande Valley on the NJCAA stage.
“It’s been remarkable. I think it was about time a junior college in the Valley had a cross country program, and I’m glad I got to see it in my lifetime. TSC really stepped up and took the lead.”

For decades, Mendoza coached local high school runners and sent hundreds to junior colleges outside the Valley. Now, with TSC establishing its own program, he sees this as a turning point for student-athletes who want to compete at the next level without leaving home.

“For many years I sent hundreds of kids to junior colleges outside the Valley. Now, having one here at home is incredible. The most special part is that I get to be the program’s first coach—and both I and the students are very happy.”

The OLLU Invitational is an important checkpoint for the Scorpions, who have already gained experience against tough competition earlier this season.

“We raced on this same course three weeks ago. The field was very talented, but we held our own and I was pretty happy with our performance.” Mendoza said. “We’re competing well. We just started a little late with recruiting, but I see next year being very promising.”

After Saturday, the Scorpions will set their sights on the Region XIV Championships on October 18 and the NJCAA National Championships on November 7.
With a committed roster, morning practices filled with grit, and a community cheering them on, TSC Cross Country is making history in its first season—showing that the Valley now has a program ready to compete on the national stage.