EPCC has in recent years deemed itself the best place to start; now it can add the phrase national champion.
The Tejanas won the college’s first ever National Junior College Athletic Association championship in the school’s history by capturing the half marathon title in Spartanburg, S.C. last weekend. 
Gabriela Ramos lead the way for the Tejanas finishing 7th with a time of 1:29:43. She was followed by Melissa Zepeda, who finished 11th at 1:31:54; Paola Rodriguez, who finished 12th at 1:31:56 and Crystal Chuca, who finished 27th at 1:38:30.
Gaby Ramos, sophomore, earned the National Junior College Coach’s Marathon, where she competed with the top 6 runners in the country.
“I’m super happy we accomplished what we worked so hard to do,” said
Ramos. “I learned we had a
pack of girls, which is what you need to win a national championship.”
“We kind of knew we had a chance,” said Melissa Zepeda. “Winning it feels great, and I’m proud of the three other girls who ran with me, especially Crystal Chuca and Paola Rodriguez because they’re freshman and they did excellent. Next year they will do the same or better.”
“I never thought we would win something so big,” said Chuca. “I feel grateful, because my team gave me the opportunity to be someone.”
“As a freshman I feel excited,” said Paola Rodriguez. “It makes me more confident in running and life.”
“I never thought I would get that far,” she said. “I might end up basing a career in running, and I’m proud of everyone on my team.”
On the men’s side of the competition, EPCC’s Robert Menjo earned All-American honors by finishing third individually with a time of 1:10:41.
