Davis & Elkins College Athletics is celebrating an unprecedented fall season of success, marked by historic achievements in cross country and standout performances in men’s soccer. From conference championships to individual accolades, the Senators have showcased their competitive edge on regional and national stages.
Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams have made history, capturing the MEC Championship titles at Oglebay Park’s Crispin Course in Wheeling, WV, and securing their first-ever NCAA DII Atlantic Regional titles at Lock Haven University. The victories earned both teams automatic berths in the NCAA National Championships, set for November 23 in Sacramento, CA.
The men’s team is currently ranked No. 21 in the nation, while junior Jan Thewes has been a dominant force, earning titles as the DII Atlantic Region Champion, MEC individual champion, MEC Runner of the Year, USTFCCCA National Runner of the Week, and NCAA DII Atlantic Region Athlete of the Year.
Head Coach Jason Pyles commented on Thewes’ remarkable run, “Our entire team has seen the level of hard work he has put into his training day after day to make himself the runner he is today! We are all so proud of him! I’m hoping to see his last cross country race in the D&E singlet end with an all-American finish and historic team finish next weekend in California at the National Championships!”
Pyles was named the MEC Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year, as well as the NCAA DII Atlantic Region Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year, further cementing the program’s dominance. Ten Senators were also named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Region team, underscoring the depth of talent in the program.
“To have both our Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams win the conference and the region for the first time in program history is simply amazing!” said Director of Athletics, Dr. Jennifer Riggleman. “The work ethic and focus shown by these athletes has resulted in exceptional races by both teams and individual runners. Coach Jason Pyles certainly deserves the Coach of the Year awards he received for the conference and the region for his training and guidance of all of his runners including runner of the year for the conference and the region, Jan Thewes. Senator Nation is looking forward to being able to cheer on both teams at the National Championships in Sacramento, CA this Saturday!”
The men’s soccer team, led by second-year Head Coach Meir Lewin, capped off a competitive season with a 10-6-3 record, advancing to the MEC semifinal match for the second consecutive year, ultimately falling to Concord. Two players, seniors Johan Magaña and Franco Cassulo, were named to the MEC First Team, with Magaña delivering a standout season. Magaña leads the MEC in goals scored (16), game-winning goals (4), and points, and he is ranked in the top ten nationally in all three categories. His exceptional performance has earned him a nomination for the D2CCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year and a spot on the MEC All-Tournament team.
Riggleman remarked, “I am so proud of the continuing upward trajectory of our athletic programs and their level of competitiveness.”
This fall season has been a testament to the growth and excellence of Davis & Elkins College Athletics. The recent achievements in cross country and men’s soccer highlight the hard work, dedication, and talent of the student-athletes and coaching staff.
