Hermiston X-Country ends a great season

By Terry Murry on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – (News release from Hermiston School District) It’s been quite a season for the Hermiston High School Cross Country (XC) team, filled with milestone achievements and standout performances. Cross country led the way this fall, as the only HHS sport to qualify for state-level competition.

Twelve Bulldogs competed at the WIAA State Championships in Pasco, showcasing the team’s dedication and strength. Leading the team was Leroy Lozano Mejia, who earned an impressive 2nd place finish in the Boys 3A Championship Race.

His season extended beyond state to the Nike Cross Regionals Northwest (NXR), where he competed in the Championship Division, an invite-only race featuring elite runners from Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Leroy finished 16th overall, cementing his place among the region’s best. In recognition of his season-long performance, Leroy was named Mid-Columbia Conference (MCC) Runner of the Year.

Hermiston also had five additional athletes earn All-Conference honors, a testament to the depth and consistency of the program. Leroy Lozano Mejia and Maggie Meenderinck were named to the First Team All-Conference, Jose Juarez earned Second Team honors, and Miguel Fuentes, Luis Silva, and Acelyn Treadwell received Honorable Mention recognition.

“These athletes have poured months of dedication into training and competition,” said Troy Blackburn, Head Coach. “To see that work result in state and regional recognition is incredibly rewarding.”

Hermiston Cross Country closes its 2025 season with pride, proving that hard work, leadership, and teamwork can carry athletes to the highest levels of competition.

Photo provided by the Hermiston School District