The Chaparrals figured to be among the top three teams entering Saturday's NJCAA Division III national championship and they didn't disappoint with their third-place finish.
 
The Chaps, led by All-Americans Lillian Buzani and Belle Adduci totaled 93 points. Oxford won the title with 40, followed by Joliet (57).

"The men's and women's cross country teams success is a direct reflection of the overall resurgence of the COD athletic department,'' said Ryan Kaiser, COD director of athletics and recreational programs.  Their success is a continuation of last year's national championships in both men's and women's track and field.  Coach Bob Cervenka knows how to win and has developed a plan that in my opinion will see several more very accomplished teams under his tutelage. An increase in participation for all sports indicates that the Chaparral athletic department is alive and well."
 
"Anytime you finish inside the top 10 at a national event, it is a big accomplishment and Lillian and Belle are very deserving of the honor,'' head coach Robert Cervenka said. "They were our top two runners all season long and we couldn't be happier with their efforts.''
 
Buzani finished seventh (20:45.53) and Adduci 10^th (20:57.91) on the 5,000-meter Council Farms course in Milledgeville, Ga. Morgan Clifford placed 19th (21:40.08), followed by Laura De La Torre (33^rd), Emilia Kadiyala (41^st) and Alyssa Gaski (53^rd).
 
"We brought home hardware,'' Cervenka said. "It's a tribute to the efforts of all who competed. The women ran well all season and were a great group to coach.''
 
It's believed to be the highest finish for the women's team in COD history.

"We competed with a full team all season and that makes all the difference,'' Cervenka said. "It's a tough sport when you compete as individuals. Both teams showed a great deal of leadership at adhering to COVID protocols. And it was topped off by the women running well enough to have the best season in COD history.''

Buzani led the Chaps from beginning to end. "Lillian not only showed her athletic ability by running well all season long, but I thought she was equally impressive with pulling the team together and making everyone better.''

Adduci's top-10 effort was equally impressive. "Belle kept improving and was fun to see how her times kept getting closer and closer to Lillian,'' Cervenka said.

Clifford was the Chaps' third runner inside the top 20 after she competed as a starter on the Chaps' soccer team.

"Morgan is a very good athlete,'' Cervenka said. "She made a difference for our team.''
 
NJCAA Division III national championship (NJCAA Recap)
Nov. 13, 2021
Council Farms, Milledgeville, Ga.
5,000 meters,
Team (top five): Oxford 40, Joliet JC 57, Chaparrals 93, Mineral Area 131, Harper 143
 
Chaparrals
7. Lillian Buzani 20:45.53
10. Belle Adduci 20:57.91
19. Morgan Clifford 21:40.08
33. Laura De La Torre 22:46.87
41. Emilia Kadiyala 23:18.95
53. Alyssa Gaski 24:15.19