GEORGETOWN, TX- The Pirates started their 2023 Cross Country season off by hosting the Southwestern-Concordia Opener, which comprised of over 160 runners for both Men and Women on September 1st. 

With an 8:00 AM start, the Men lined up for what would be one of the first 2023 NCAA Fall events and the Pirates were one of nine teams toeing the line. The pace went out fast for the 5k race and Brian Armijo looked calm and patient as he went through the first mile in 5:03 and settled into a front group. The pack began to slow and that is when Armijo turned it on, clocking a 4:52 second mile and moving up in the field. Ultimately, Brian finished with a time of 15:31, which was good enough for 16th overall. Armijo helped lead his Pirates to second place overall, behind just the University of Texas Longhorns. 15:31 was good enough to clock the fastest time of the day for all D3 and D2 athletes and was a new personal best for Armijo, including all of his track and field 5k's. 

Junior, Brian Armijo has been named Week 1 SCAC Runner of the Week. Starting the year off with a Personal Best mark is a testament to his hard work put in over the Summer. Brian will have the opportunity to improve upon his mark on September 16, 2023 as the Pirates will be hosting another home XC Meet, the SU Showdown.