Thunderbirds Open Cross Country Season at Mesa Early Bird Open

Sunday August 24,  2025 - 1:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger

MCC Cross Country kicked off its 2025 season on Saturday by hosting the Mesa Early Bird Open, welcoming Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, Tohono O'odham Community College, and Estrella Mountain Community College to the MCC course. The men ran an 8K while the women competed in a 5K.

Men:

The T-Bird men put together a strong opener, highlighted by Cal Schnepf leading the squad with a time of 26:56. Close behind were Brady Moar (27:35), Josef Iker (27:46), and Dean Haller (28:05), followed by Deng Majak (28:14), Benett Kaup (28:47), and Edgar Molera-Madril (29:37). Alex Lopez (30:19) and Corbin Pyle (31:42) rounded out the field, while Parker Stoft did not finish.

Head coach Daniel Pescador praised the group, noting, "Cal, Brady, & Josef ran great! Great opener for all three!" It was also the first career 8K for both Brady and Josef.

Women:

On the women's side, Olivia Baker set the pace with a 19:10 finish, followed by Katie Munoz (19:46), Lucy Melzer (19:57), and Evelyn Perez (20:50). Olivia Scroggins closed out Mesa's lineup in 22:06.

Coach Pescador was equally impressed with the women's effort, saying, "The women were tremendous! They ran much faster than the group last year at this meet. So excited as the season progresses!" Baker, Munoz, and Melzer all turned in standout runs to start the season.

The Thunderbirds will return to action on Aug. 30, traveling to Las Cruces, N.M. to compete in the Lori Fitzgerald Invitational.

Click here to view photos from the meet. 

Photos Courtesy of Colleen Quinn Schnepf.