From top finishes and a conference championship to individual honors and competing at nationals, the Cyclones had a solid 2022.
The men's team was nationally ranked, placing as high as 11th. In their season opening race at Elmhurst College, where they were the only community college competing, the Cyclones finished third overall, setting a trend for the season. They displayed their dominance in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference by winning their third consecutive championship and were runners-up in the NJCAA Region IV race. Four runners qualified for the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, and several earned additional honors. There were no shortage of positives for this crew.
Transfer sophomore David Olmos (Richards) led the Cyclones all season, breaking records on every course he ran. In his third race of the season, he broke Moraine Valley's 8K record, finishing in 25:48. While helping his team secure the conference championship, he finished first to become Skyway Runner of the Year. Olmos earned All-Conference and All-Region IV honors, running to 35th place out of 219 runners at nationals.
"He was just shy of becoming an All-American. I've enjoyed working with him and wish we had him longer," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas, who completed his seventh season at the helm. "I'm excited to see what he does at the next level."
Brandon Armendarez (Reavis) returned from a historic 2021 season, in which he was Skyway Runner of the Year and became the first male runner at Moraine Valley to earn All-American at nationals. He was runner-up for the conference title this season and is one of 10 runners who have earned All-Conference and All-Region honors both seasons as a Cyclone.
Gavin Hampton (Oak Lawn) is the best example of what hard work will yield. "Gavin is one of my favorite people I've worked with. He didn't have the fastest times in high school, but he put in a ton of work, especially this year," Dimizas said. "He earned a PR this year, and it's all because of his work ethic." Hampton also is one of 10 Moraine Valley runners to earn All-Conference and All-Region honors both years.
Freshman Jack Kajmowicz (Lockport) came in with a good attitude and leadership ability. He was consistently in the top four runners all season, earning All-Conference and All-Region honors, and competed at nationals with three experienced runners. This experience will help him next season. "Jack came in with impressive high school times but was hurt his senior year, so we didn't know what to expect. He surprised me and learned a lot for next year," Dimizas said.
Ryan O'Connor (Lincoln-Way East) was the most improved runner among the sophomores. He put in extra work during the summer and surprised many people, including his coaches.
Thomas Diaz (Argo) dealt with some health setbacks this season but toughed it out to help his team earn the conference title.
Freshman Efrain Alvarez (Oak Lawn) worked through an injury-plagued season yet maintained a positive attitude. Dimizas hopes to see him back in the lineup in 2023.
Olmos, Armendarez, Hampton and O'Connor are looking to continue their education and running careers at a four-year college or university.
"We accomplished a lot this season, including the three-peat. We really were hoping to make it to nationals as a team, but getting four down there was great," Dimizas said. "I'm pleased with how the season went and glad the team gelled so well. I'm happy how everything came together."