CROSS COUNTRY: OEC CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2014 Orange Empire Conference Championships were held at Fullerton's Craig Park on Friday, October 31st with Orange Coast College claiming the men's title with a time average of 20:42.02 and Riverside City College winning the women's with an average of 18:43.02.

October 31, 2014

The 2014 Orange Empire Conference Championships were held at Fullerton's Craig Park on Friday, October 31st with Orange Coast College claiming the men's title with a time average of 20:42.02 and Riverside City College winning the women's with an average of 18:43.02.

Rounding out the men's teams were Saddleback College (20:57.04), Riverside City College (21:15.64), Fullerton College (21:39.92), Santiago Canyon College (21:54.14), and Santa Ana College (22:34.40)

On the women's side, the RCC Tigers were followed by Saddleback College (18:58.60), Orange Coast College (19:44.14), Fullerton College (20:06.48), Santiago Canyon College (20:28.68), Santa Ana College (20:58.68), and Golden West College (22:30.96).

Orange Coast sophomore Lucio Ramirez clearly led the way with an impressive run to win the men's individual OEC title (19:59.2). Coming in second place was Saddleback's Ulysses Orozco (20:22.8), Brandon Ferguson of Orange Coast took third (20:29.2), Brandon Velsaco of Fullerton placed fourth (20:31.8), and Eamon Smythe of Orange Coast placed fifth overall (20:34.2) out of 76 total runners.

"We were pretty confident in the team because they've had some really good workouts. The level of confidence that they gained from those workouts translated to the race here today", Orange Coast Coach Marco Ochoa.

"I just wanted to focus on my times and my pace. Great job by everyone who ran in today's race", OEC men's individual champion Lucio Ramirez.

Freshman Sara Fleming of Saddleback College separated herself from the pack finishing with a time of 18:00.0 winning the women's individual OEC title. Three RCC runners followed Fleming with Briana Jacklin taking second (18:13.4), Crystal Tejada third (18:21.5), and Maria Morales fourth (18:31.3). OCC's Niseen Rizk placed fifth overall (18:34.8) out of 62 competitors.

"I focused on the downhill's and tried and stay with the girls for first, second, and third. I told myself to settle down and not to stress out too much- just relax", OEC women's individual champion Sarah Fleming.

"She's worked exceptionally hard all season long. She far exceeded my expectations. It's a tribute to her hard work, and I'm so proud of her, Saddleback Coach Matt Sherman.

MEN'S TEAM RESULTS

OCC – 32 points

SAD – 46 points

RCC – 67 points

FUL – 107 points

SCC – 119 points

SAC – 165 points

WOMEN'S TEAM RESULTS

RCC – 33 points

SAD – 52 points

OCC – 85 points

FUL – 102 points