FHSU Athletics

Javier Ceja begins his second season as an assistant coach with the Fort Hays State University cross country program.

Ceja previously led the Barton Community College cross country program the past two seasons. He helped guide the Lady Cougars to a runner-up Region VI placing for its best finish at the championships since 2003 and an eventual 11th spot at the NJCAA National Championships. He also helped the men’s team to its highest Region VI finish since 2003 coming in third amongst a nationally ranked packed field. The Cougars completed the season 17th at the NJCAA National Championships marking the second straight year of finishing amongst the nation’s top twenty teams.

Ceja, a native of Pico Rivera, Calif., attended McPherson College before finishing completing his eligibility at Friends University. A five-time KCAC champion in track and field, Ceja is also a two-time cross country KCAC champion. Inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame as part of the historic 2011-12 Friends University Cross Country teams, Ceja also held the state record for one year in the half marathon.

Ceja is completing a degree in Health & Human Performance at Fort Hays State University. He currently lives in Great Bend, Kan., with his wife Sharon, also a competitive distance runner.