Having a largely clear BMX track all winter gave the Fort Lewis College cycling team a boost at the BMX Collegiate Nationals in DeSoto, Texas over the weekend.

FLC finished third in the Team Omnium behind national champion Marian University and Lindsey Wilson College.

The Skyhawks couldn’t add to their 19 team national championships, but FLC head coach Dave Hagen was still pleased with the outcome.

“I think the team did a great job of coming together, and they worked hard all winter long,” he said. “Everyone always steps up when it’s a big national. All the individuals did great – better than expected.”

Marian’s Justin Posey won his second consecutive individual men’s title while Felicia Stancil, also from Marian, won the women’s individual championship.

Durango native Brandon Buiso impressed Hagen with his 15th-place finish on the men’s side.

“He had some bad luck in the semifinals, or else he surely would have made the finals,” Hagen said.

Anthony Robbiano finished in 20th, and Connor Hodge came in 23rd to wrap up FLC’s male entrants.

The Skyhawks’ women’s team took finished 14th, 15th and 16th individually.

Leila Carrillo came in 15th, Rebecca Gardner 14th and Morgan Neutz 16th.

FLC’s focus now will shift to the road season with one of the biggest events of the year coming up.

The Skyhawks host their annual Squawker Classic on Saturday and Sunday in the streets of Durango.

It will feature a team time trial, criterium and individual road race.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com