SPORTS: CROSS COUNTRY: Freshman breaks TAMIU record, sweeps weekly honors
By Jesus Chaires
Sports Editor
Published Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Freshman runner Ian Rono wasted no time making history. In just his first season with the Dustdevils, Rono shattered the school’s 4-mile record and swept the Lone Star Conference’s Male Runner of the Week and Male Freshman Runner of the Week awards.
Cross Country runner Ian Rono practices at the TAMIU soccer field on Sept. 26, 2025. Rono claimed the men’s individual title with a new 4-mile record during a cross country meet on Sept. 12.
The Texas A&M International University standout performance came Sept. 12 at the UIW Invitational in San Antonio. Facing a 149-runner field, which included Division I and II competitors, Rono surged to the front early and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 18 minutes, 45.3 seconds. His time not only set a new TAMIU record but also gave him a commanding 30.1-second margin of victory over the second-place finisher.
Despite the dominant showing, Rono admitted the race tested his limits.
“I was already tired, but I knew I had started the race strong,” he said. “All I needed to do was hold on.”
Rono credited his steady training for preparing him to deliver when it mattered most.
“I did not really prepare differently,” he explained. “I just stuck to my coach’s daily program.”
Breaking a school record in his collegiate debut has left the freshman hungry for more.
“I feel so motivated to have broken the 4-mile record at TAMIU,” Rono said. “I hope for even better times in the future.”
Rono’s favorite running quote is, “Cross country is not about beating others; It’s about conquering your own limits.”
The victory instantly placed Rono among the top runners in the LSC and gave TAMIU its first major headline of the season. Coaches and teammates believe his performance is just the beginning of a standout career.
With conference meets ahead, Rono has already established himself as a name to watch, not just at TAMIU, but across the LSC.
