KAHUKU, Hawaii --- Two years removed from a pair of spectacular performances, BU is ready to recapture the magic at the PacWest Cross Country Championships on Saturday. BU women's cross country is set to hit the Kahuku Golf Course at 10:45 am PST in the 6k race, followed by the men at 11:45 am PST in the 8k race in Kahuku, Hawaii.

The Hawaii environment will bring a different challenge for a team accustomed to California's much drier climate. "Hawaii will create a challenging race environment in that it will be warm, windy, and humid. It will be a race of attrition, but I believe we are up for the challenge," said head coach Sean Henning.

Henning has developed an esteemed cross country program in his seventh season in La Mirada. Though recently transitioned into the PacWest, Henning's men's cross country squad is already looking for its third PacWest Championship crown.

Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific will be hosting the championship festivities, as the group of PacWest teams come together on Saturday. The field of teams features nationally ranked or receiving votes teams, including No. 26 Biola and Academy of Art for women and No. 27 Fresno Pacific and Biola for men.

"Our teams have prepared very well and I feel confident in our ability to execute to the best of our ability and in the process put ourselves in contention for two conference titles," added Henning.

The women's squad has been led by true freshman Lynette Ruiz in 2021. The young star posted a pair of top-10 finishes in her first two collegiate races, before nabbing 16th place at the Lewis Crossover with a wealth of stingy competition. At the Lewis Crossover, Ruiz logged a team-best time of 22:44.5 in the 6k event.

Mackenna Mason and Grace Catena are key contributors from 2019 back to give BU another boost. Mason took third place in the last PacWest Championship, leading the team to a tie for second. The graduate student stepped in for two races this season, finishing with the second-best 6k time for Biola at the Lewis Crossover.

"We won't overlook anyone and will be ready for a tight team battle," commented Henning. "Our women's team has really come together over the past few weeks, and we are by far in the best position we've been in all year."

On the men's side, BU will see Brady DeHaven and Angel Escobar star for the Eagles. The duo was crucial in the team's PacWest Championship in 2019, nabbing second and fifth place, respectively. Both runners have scored for Biola in each of their two competitions, as DeHaven led the team at the season-opening Biola Invitational with a fifth place finish. 

Ronald Kigen has impressed as a newcomer in 2021. The Lipsomb University transfer made his impact felt with a strong time at The Master's Invitational and a team-best time of 25:40.9 and a 36th place finish at the Lewis Crossover. 

"We have yet to run our best team race with everyone in sync and running as one," said Henning. "I believe this will be the race where that happens. I'm confident in this group."

Competition begins at 10:45 am PST at Kahuku Golf Course with the women's 6k. The men will follow at 11:45 am PST. The event will feature live results at
https://finishedresults.trackscoreboard.com/meets/10128/events.