NMJC Names XC Invitational in Dr. Steve McCleery’s Honor
The New Mexico Junior College cross country team will host the inaugural NMJC Dr. Steve McCleery Invitational Friday, Sept. 26 in Hobbs, NM at Harry McAdams Park.
The women will run early at 9 a.m. MDT followed by the men's team at 9:45 a.m. MDT.
The meet is dedicated to former NMJC President Dr. Steve McCleery who sadly passed away earlier this year. Dr. McCleery graciously served the Thunderbirds as President from 1998-2016, as an interim President from 2021-22, and as President Emeritus from 2023-24.
Dr. McCleery was an ardent supporter of the cross country and track & field programs during and after his time with NMJC. Recently, NMJC also named the new Industrial Training Center in his honor.
"We are excited to host our first home meet of the season," NMJC cross country head coach Jeff Becker said. "It is always exciting to race at home. This year (and from now on) we are naming our first meet after former NMJC President Dr. Steve McCleery."
"Dr. McCleery was a great supporter of athletics and especially of cross country. The program would not be where it's at if not for him. So come out Friday and see some great races in honor of Dr. McCleery."
NMJC Director of Athletics Deron Clark echoes the same sentiment as Coach Becker.
"NMJC will always be honored to have the opportunity to recognize Dr. Steve McCleery. This invitational cross country meet in his name is no different," Clark said. "The development and growth that Dr. McCleery inserted into the maturity of NMJC will always have a profound impact on Lea County and Hobbs, NM."
The women's and men's teams both come into the first home meet of the year ranked No. 3 nationally in the USTFCCCA rankings. The NMJC Dr. Steve McCleery Invitational begins at 9 a.m. MDT Friday, Sept. 26 in Hobbs, NM at Harry McAdams Park.
