Harper cross country teams compete for national titles

Over the last seven years, the Harper College men's cross country team has made some history. The Hawks will be looking to make more on Saturday at the NJCAA Division III national meet, where they will be going for the program's eighth national title in Holoyke, MA.

"Hopefully we will get it done," said Harper coach Jim Macnider, who knows how talented his team is.

The Hawks are ranked No. 1 in the latest national poll.

The 2018 edition is stronger and deeper then last year's squad. The Hawks will look to the trio of Jacob Melgosa, Tony Espinoza (Barrington) and Micheal Sisko, who finished 27th at nationals last year. Melgosa finished 30th and he has Harper running in his blood. His mom holds 5 and 10K school records. All three athletes are coming off track seasons that saw them earn All-America status.

"Their success in track gave them confidence," Macnider said.

The Harper women's team also enters the national meet as the No. 1 ranked team.

The goal is simple for Macnider.

"Bring home our third (national championship) in a row," he said.

Look for All-Americans Misbah Baig (Hoffman Estates), Taylor Kriess (Palatine) and Racheal Tempel to be in front of the race early. All three finished in the Top 10 at nationals last year.

Despite being named national athlete of the week twice, Harper will not lean on Tempel who her coach said is, "Running as well if not better then she did last year," to set the pace.

"Our top three runners have exchanged being our top runner (all season)," Macnider said.

Baig has had success despite missing the 2018 track season. Jessi Gessner and Roxanne Tempel are two other runners who have a chance to help the Hawks' quest for a third straight national title.