Cross Country Wraps Up Season at State Championships
The men's and women's cross country teams are staples at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships year after year. They looked to continue to pose a threat to their fellow opponents this season at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA. The women's highlighted the programs by placing fifth overall, while the men finished 12th overall.
Riverside underperformed in the eyes of Head Coach Damien Smith, but a top five finish at state is an accomplishment in itself. The finished with 170 total points to earnt he top five finish.
Highlighting the bunch and pacing the pack for the first time this season was freshman Briana Rodriguez who finished 25th overall at a time of 19:40.7. She utilized an average mile time of 6:20.9. Sophomore Ariel Martinez, who had been a consistent number two runner for the Tigers all season, placed 34th overall. She utilized a 6:26.3. average mile time leading to a final time of 19:57.4.
Sophomore Emiliana Merida Cano struggled with health during the final race as she placed 36th overall with a time of 19:59.2.
The men finished 12th overall after a fifth place finish the season prior. Freshman Alberto Lopez lead the team with a 37th place finish by crossing the finish line with a time of 21:34.2. He used an average mile time of 5:23.6 which was slightly off a top-20 pace.
Freshman Jason Morse made his presence known for the Tigers by finishing 77th overall at a mark of 22:09.3, while freshman Cody Patrick nipped at his heals with a time of 22:11.4. to earn 81st overall.