MARTINSVILLE, VA — The Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) Outdoor Track team showcased an impressive display of talent and determination at the Wildcat Invitational, hosted by Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA, on April 19, 2025. Their strong performances not only earned notable placements at the meet but also propelled the team into the national spotlight, as they secured a position in the National Coaches Poll for the first time this season.

In the 800-meter run, sophomore Moises Cisneros delivered a standout performance with a time of 2:05.20. His finish secured 18th place overall and etched his name in the college's record books as the second-fastest time in P&HCC history. Close behind, freshman Alex Gomez clocked in at 2:06.01, placing 19th. His efforts earned him the fourth-best all-time performance at the college and landed him at #21 in the NJCAA Division III national rankings.

The momentum carried into the 1500-meter run, where Chase Smith led the way with a time of 4:43.56, placing 38th overall. His time now ranks as the second-fastest in P&HCC history and earned him the #43 spot nationally in NJCAA Division III. Not far behind, Benjamin Flores finished in 39th place with a time of 4:44.58, claiming the third-fastest time in school history and a #44 national ranking. Rounding out the trio, Nathaniel Blessman crossed the finish line in 5:18.50, placing 47th. His effort placed him sixth on the college's all-time leaderboard and earned a #76 national ranking.

These remarkable individual performances have translated into significant recognition on the national and regional stages. In Week 3 of the National Coaches Poll, released on April 15, P&HCC debuted at #25 nationwide. The team also earned a #9 ranking in the Central Region Coaches Poll, underscoring their rising status within the competitive collegiate landscape.

In addition, the team has gained attention for their strength in specific events. The Men's 800-meter squad is now ranked #6 nationally, a testament to the depth and talent of P&HCC's middle-distance runners.

This wave of success is a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and unity of the P&HCC athletes and coaching staff. As the outdoor season continues, the team remains focused on pushing boundaries and building upon the momentum of their recent achievements. The Pats will hit the track once again as they participate in the Martinsville 5K this Saturday, here in Martinsville.