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This season was brimming with success for 911������ women’s cross country. Between a championship, top finishes and awards, it was a season for the record books.

During every one of his 10 years as head coach of the cross country program, Dimitri Dimizas has led individuals or teams to region and/or conference championships and into the national tournament. However, this season, he experienced a couple of “firsts.”

For the first time during his tenure, and since the program’s reinstatement in 2000, a runner from the cross country program earned Region 4 Runner of the Year. Freshman Eva Zimmerman (Sandburg) was the top finisher at the NJCAA Region 4 Women’s Cross Country Championship. In early November at the national championship in Fort Dodge, Iowa, she crossed the finish line in 39^th place out of 321 runners, earning an NJCAA Coaches Association All-American honor for her top 15% finish and securing her legacy at Moraine Valley.

“I knew at the start of the season that she was coming in as our top runner. There were high expectations from myself and her. Although she didn’t get the times we wanted, she had one of the most accomplished seasons. It was a good start to her college career,” Dimizas said.

Despite battling injuries, the Cyclones were able to secure a second consecutive region championship – the first time they’ve gone back-to-back since 2014/15. The men’s team also earned a region championship, something they hadn’t accomplished since 2017, actualizing the first time both teams were crowned champs in the same season.

“I’ve been fortunate as coach. I’m thankful for all the teams we’ve had and for these two that were successful,” Dimizas added.

On a snowy course at the national tournament, the Cyclones raced to 25^th place out of 44 teams in NJCAA Division II – a strong finish. For three runners, it was their last time racing as Cyclones.

Rylee Milenkovic (Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences) was a soccer player in high school and discovered cross country in the last few years. Her learning trajectory was wide, and she became one of the most committed runners on the team, working hard in the offseason to gain speed. She earned All-Region honors. “I’m excited for her because she’s still new to it, so there’s a lot of growth still for her,” Dimizas said.

Desiree Mendoza (Bremen) and Mia Villa (Reavis) battled through injuries, causing them to miss several races; however, they came through when it mattered most. Each earned All-Region honors as well. “I’m proud of what they did through a rough second year. I didn’t know if either would even be able to run, but for them to put it all together and run at nationals was a big deal,” Dimizas commented.

Milenkovic, Mendoza and Villa were the most accomplished trio in the running program’s history, both as individuals and a collective. They each earned All-Region honors both seasons, were Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference champions last season and helped their team earn a consecutive region championship.

This was the first season the conference did not recognize women’s or men’s cross country due to lack of participation by several colleges; therefore, the Cyclones were unable to make a run for a second consecutive Skyway championship.

Additional contributors to the Cyclones success were second-year students Fernanda Cabrera (Oak Forest) and Guadalupe Marquez (Argo). Neither ran last season but were pleasant surprises. Cabrera earned All-Region honors this season.

Supplemental to his teams’ successes, Dimizas earned several recognitions. He was named Region Coach of the Year and prior to nationals was named U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NJCAA Division II Cross Country Women’s Coach of the Year in the Midwest Region.

“I’m thankful for this award because it really psyched the team up at nationals. There are big-name coaches who’ve won championships at the national level who have earned this award, and then there’s me. It was a cool moment,” he said. “Other than that, it was a successful season. I’m very proud of all the runners and looking forward to the future.”

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For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.