Morton College got personal bests from three runners at the Region IV men's cross country meet October 28th held at the Northwestern Medicine Cross Country course in Geneva.

The Panthers also landed four runners on the all-Region IV team, which went to the top 15 runners. Honored from Morton College were Fernando Quintana (28:51.5 – 5th), Brian Kiplagat (29:58.0 – 9th), Adrian Alcantar (30:06.5 – 12th) and Sebastian Mantilla (30:57.2 – 15th). Mantilla grabbed the last spot by seven-tenths of a second.

They earned automatic berths to the NJCAA Division II national meet Saturday, November 11th, at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, AL. For Kiplagat, this will be his second trip to nationals.

Morton College also was third out of six teams. Sandburg was crowned region champs with 57 points, followed by Sauk Valley (63), Morton College (68), Moraine Valley (70), Waubonsee (76) and Illinois Valley (151).

Quintana, Mantilla and Mauricio Lara, who placed 32nd in 36:25.7, all turned in personal bests.

"Fernando was fearless and ran in the top group," Morton College cross country coach Miriam Andalbo said.