With the season winding down and only one more meet before the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championships, cross country coach Joe Gonzales is looking for a strong finish from his men’s and women’s teams.

The Bulldogs had a good showing recently, with both teams placing third at the Triton Classic in San Diego.

Freshman Erick Garcia contributed with a second place finish in the men’s 10K, while junior Roxanne Sellick finished fifth in the women’s 6K.

Gonzales sees injuries and health issues as the only setbacks that could affect both teams’ possibilities of finishing well.

“The biggest obstacle is keeping them healthy,” Gonzales said. “Hopefully they don’t have a friend that has a cold that sneezes on them.”

With the miles winding down, he does not see injuries as a threat.

Although cross country does not have standings or rankings to measure the competition, Gonzales believes his teams will do well at the WAC championships.

“The ladies are really strong; with the guys it is hard to tell. We have a good chance of being in the top three,” Gonzales said. “There are seven men’s teams and nine women’s teams. Our goal is to finish in the top 50 percent on each side.”

Gonzales sees the Bulldogs going beyond the WAC championships as well.

“If everything goes like it should, I think both teams will make the regionals,” Gonzales said. “Erick has a great shot at making nationals.”

Gonzales says that this season’s team has been one of the most enjoyable and fun groups he has ever worked with.

Using the adjectives goal-oriented and dedicated, he does not worry about motivation as a factor to consider for post-season success with his team.

“I do not have to worry about pumping them up,” Gonzales said. “They know what it takes.”