3C2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: SAVING THEIR BEST FOR LAST

Under cool 61-degree skies and ideal running conditions, the Hornet runners Zidane Ras and Jonathan Mendoza delivered their best performances of the season last Saturday morning at the 3C2A State Championship meet at Woodward Park.

MEN'S RACE

Zidane Ras and Jonathan Mendoza were no strangers to the demanding course at Woodward Park in Fresno having competed at the State Championships last season. Both athletes arrived confident and prepared knowing that their hard work and focus throughout the season would pay off.

Zidane produced one of the most impressive improvements of the day shaving more than two minutes off his previous time. After finding himself 15 spots back at the two-mile mark, Zidane made a powerful late surge slicing through the pack over the final stretch to finish 13th overall out of 194 runners with a time of 20:33.52. His standout effort earned him All-American First Team and All-State honors. 

Last season, Ras finished the state races in 97th place making his 2025 effort even more outstanding with a -84 change. He was tabbed as the "Most Improved Runner" by California JUCO Cross Country.

Mendoza also showed tremendous growth cutting nearly one minute off his time from last season. Running with consistency and control throughout the race, he crossed the finish line in 21:00.69 placing 35th overall in a deep and competitive field.

WOMEN'S RACE

It was freshman Brittany Rodriguez's first time running the tough course but she cut through it like an expert delivering a skilled performance with finish of 19:02.62 placing 23rd overall out of 169 runners. Her effort was good enough to earn Second Team All-State honors.

"I liked this course and I knew I had to be steady on the uphills," Rodriguez said after the race. "I also knew I had to attack that downhill after the second mile, and that really helped my overall finish."

That strategy paid off as the sophomore ran a controlled first half before finding another gear over the final stretch surging past competitors on the back half of the course. Despite being surprised by her final time, Rodriguez credited her recent preparation for the breakthrough performance.

"My last few weeks of practice were spot on," she added. "The training really came together, and I felt confident on that starting line."

Rodriguez's All-State recognition marks a significant achievement for the Hornet's cross country program and highlights her dedication and hard work throughout the season. Competing against the top runners from across California, she proved she belongs among the state's elite.

Hornet teammates created an electric atmosphere all over the course cheering and supporting one another every step of the way. That energy, mixed with weeks of focused preparation, helped fuel Fullerton's top performances of the year on the biggest stage.

Complete 2025 3C2A State Championship Results