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DOWAGIAC — Esther Lopez, who ran for the Southwestern Michigan College women’s cross country team, has signed her National Junior College Athletic Association letter of intent to compete for the Roadrunners again this fall.

A graduate of Bangor High School, Lopez ran with last year’s Roadrunner squad that finished second in NJCAA Region XII and No. 12 in the country. Lopez, a business major, was recently awarded an athletic scholarship for her sophomore season.

“I’m very proud of all the hard work Esther has put in this past year,” said SMC Coach Zac Sartori. “She walked on for us last fall and proved to be an asset to the program. I’m happy to reward her efforts and bring her back next year with a scholarship for her determination and hard work.”

The Roadrunners start practice in early August for the 2024 cross country season.