POMONA, Calif. - Ryan Carrell advanced to nationals last year as an individual but now entering the 2013 season, every member of the Cal Poly Pomona men's cross country program is determined to make it a team trip.

The timing couldn't be any better, with seniors and twin brothers Ryan Carrell and John Carrell in their final year of eligibility. The duo, Westminster natives and La Quinta High School graduates, were reunited in 2012 when John transferred from Cal State Fullerton.

Ryan has been at the center of a transformation for the Broncos' squad as CPP went from an 11th-place finish in the 2011 West Region Championships to last year's sixth-place showing - just one spot out of a trip to nationals. At the Division II National Championships in Joplin, Mo., Ryan finished 65th overall at 30:53.9 to become just the seventh runner in program history to record a 10K time under 31 minutes.

With the 2013 season starting on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the UC Riverside Invite, the Carrell brothers will have a strong supporting cast that features a stellar sophomore class of six runners. Junior Brandon Haugen, who earned California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Freshman of the Year honors in 2011, posted a season-best time of 25:50.0 at the 2012 Pomona Pitzer Invite and "Pack the Course" event in Claremont.

The Broncos will return to the Pomona Pitzer Invite this season on Saturday, Oct. 5, which will once again serve as the annual "Pack the Course" celebration that'll feature giveaways for CPP fans in attendance. After four regular season meets, the Broncos will compete in the CCAA Championships on Saturday, Oct. 26, with Chico State hosting.

The ultimate goal is competing on Nov. 23, the date of the NCAA D-II National Championships in Spokane, Wash. Ryan Carrell was at that level last year but in 2013, the Broncos don't want any of their runners to race alone.

No Vacation for The Herd
Registration is officially open to become a member of The Herd for the 2013-14 school year. To sign up and learn more about the Bronco Athletics student fan club, go to www.broncoathletics.com/theherd. As a member, you'll receive a newly designed t-shirt (view on Instagram) and also a stylish Bronco velcro wallet (view on Instagram). Students can also sign up at the Orientation and BroncoFusion events.