THE CROSS COUNTRY SEASON BEGINS WITH POSITIVE RESULTS
The Hornets are off to a great start with their season and showing that their summer-training miles are paying off after competing in their first two races this season.
The Hornets are off to a great start with their season and showing that their summer-training miles are paying off after competing in their first two races this season.
The Cuyamaca Kick Off race was a good opener for both the men and women's teams placing one runner each in the top ten overall places and having one runner each in the top 21 spots. The course consisted of grass and uneven terrain, however that did not stop the Hornets from flying through the finish line.
Vanguard Invitational held at Mason Regional Park was a fast race over the course consisting mostly of sidewalk and a grass start and finish. The men finished in 4th place (the best community college team present) against other four-year universities. This was an 8K run for the men that featured two seasoned FC sophomores in Jonathan Mendoza (11th place - 25:52 finish) and Zidane Ras (14th place - 26:19 finish). Both runners proved themselves last season with strong finishes in the State Finals. Also making waves were Mario Valle and Noe Valdivia, who were within 21 seconds of each other as they crossed the finish line. Kole Gutierrez rounded out the fifth man. There are other runners that will be added to this season's roster within the next couple of weeks that help make an impact on this season's success.
The FC women were equally as successful with Brittany Rodriguez crushing her 5K time with a 20:25 finish. She opened her college season with a personal record for the 3-mile run. Vanessa Castellanos (21:33) came in slightly behind her teammate. Ximena Gonzalez finished within 90 seconds of Vanessa for her final steps past the finish line.
Up Next: The Hornets are off this week, but they will be back in action on Friday, September 19th when they will compete at the Golden West Golden West Central Park Classic in Huntington Beach. The men's race will be at 9:30 am with the women following.
