Isaac Alonzo’s senior season with the Texas men’s cross country team was a testament to his dedication, talent, and growth. As a dual-sport athlete excelling in both track and field and cross country, Alonzo consistently led his team, finishing as the top Texas runner in all but one race this year.
“Isaac is the definition of coachable,” said Greg Metcalf, Texas men’s cross country and distance coach. “He listens, communicates, and delivers. This season, he reached a new level—he’s the best version of himself I’ve ever seen.”
Alonzo opened the season strong, taking third place at the Stormy Seas Opener 5K, contributing to a Texas team sweep. He then placed seventh at the Cowboy Jamboree against a field of nearly 200 competitors. His breakout moment came at the Wisconsin Pre-Nationals, where he set a new personal best in the 8K, finishing 32nd against some of the nation’s elite runners. He improved his time further at the SEC Championships, earning All-SEC First Team honors and leading Texas to a fourth-place finish out of 14 schools.
At the NCAA South Central Regionals, Alonzo ran the fastest 10K of his collegiate career, helping Texas challenge for a national championship spot. Though the team narrowly missed qualification, Alonzo secured an individual berth as one of the region’s top-four finishers, a distinction awarded to only 38 runners nationwide.
In the frigid conditions of Madison, Wisconsin, Alonzo finished 128th out of 252 runners at the NCAA Championships. He ranked 23rd among individual qualifiers and set a blistering 5K split time, faster than his previous best.
Although this marks the conclusion of his collegiate cross country career, Alonzo’s journey continues on the track, with the indoor season starting next month. Metcalf is confident Alonzo will leave an enduring legacy at Texas. “I believe Isaac will graduate as one of the greatest distance runners in our program’s history,” he said. “And his running career doesn’t end here—he has more to achieve.”
With his senior track season on the horizon, Alonzo is poised for even greater success. His consistency, work ethic, and competitive spirit make him a name to watch in collegiate distance running.
