SAN DIEGO, CA - The Mesa College men's and women's cross country teams will open its 2018 campaign on Saturday, September 8, during the Fresno Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno, California.  

 

(DOWNLOAD MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE) 

 

Having served as the men's cross country coach in 2017, Head Coach Sean Ricketts has also assumed the head coaching position for the women's team. "Sean has been a valuable addition to our program", states athletic director Ryan Shumaker. "Through working with him for the past year, I am proud of his ability to recruit talent and manage successful programs in both cross country and track and field alike. His ability to come onto the community college scene and make an immediate impact is garnering a lot of attention, especially from our San Diego rival programs.  The future looks bright with Sean at the helm."

 

Ricketts, along with assistant coach Matthew Beckstead, are counting on the mix of experienced and young athletes to be ready to represent for Mesa Athletics. "Our goal as a team is to win our conference and be one of the top programs in the state. Each year we face new challenges but I am a believer in always trying to win a championship" states Ricketts. Furthermore, "we always want to have a strong showing at the regional and state level. I do believe that our men's team can finish in the top 3 at the state meet and women's team qualify to regionals. As long as we stay consistent, healthy, and our athletes trust the process, we will succeed." 

 

Setting the tone for the women's team will be 2018 PCAC Track and Field Athlete of the Year Jasmine Perez. On the men's side, keep an eye on sophomore Jose Garcia and redshirt freshman Christian Alcantar. 

 

Rounding out the team will be an all-star recruiting class that brings the best runners in San Diego to Mesa College. "This is going to be one of the strongest recruiting classes San Diego Mesa has ever seen. This class will set the tone of where we want this program to go, and that's to the top. I expect the following athletes to contribute immediately."

 

Isaiah Labra (Bonita Vista HS) XC AND TRACK STATE QUALIFIER SD CIF Champion 3200m 9:10	Stefen Rasmuson (Mira Mesa HS) XC AND TRACK State Qualifier 3rd Place SD CIF Finals 3200m 9:15	Bobby Brana (Scripps Ranch HS) XC State Qualifier 9:39 3200m 4:28 1600m	Ashtin Brantley (Rancho Bernardo HS) 7th Pace SD CIF Finals 3200m 9:33
Victor Raygoza (San Ysidro HS) 7th Place SD CIF Finals 800m 1:57	Ian Ibarra (SD High School) 12th SD CIF Finals 1600m 4:28	Gus Stephanos (University City High School) 3200m 9:59