The San Diego Mesa College men’s and women’s cross country team  has once again proven to be the model of consistency. With the conference title secured, the women’s team grabbed the top spot in the annual 2023 Southern California Cross Country Championships in Long Beach, California while the men’s finished runner-up behind Mt. San Antonio College. 

“It’s been a special year so far,” states head coach Sean Ricketts. “Jyden and Alexis are running well, we executed as a team, and I believe the team we currently have are two of the most talented teams in the history of the program.” The coaching staff continues to remind the team that there is a lot more work to be done.  They need to stay connected as a team, stay healthy, and to focus on their job come race day. 

In order to succeed at this level, a lot of work happens behind the scenes. Ricketts is quick to praise assistant coach Matthew Beckstead. “Matt does an outstanding job with our program and is an integral part of our success. He not only recruits for both teams, but the countless hours he puts in is invaluable. Over the past six-years, he has been instrumental in the development and resurgence of the program.”

WOMEN
Freshman Alexis Noble was the overall individual winner finishing out the 5k race at 17:44. Teammates Joelle Tonne (13th at 18:47), Sophie Moser-Smith (15th at 18:48), Kyana Cook (17th at 18:50), Madison Decker (32nd at 19:26), Kate Touchet (44th at 20:06), Haidyn McKenzie (45th at 20:13).  

Women's Team Interview
Alexis Noble Interview

MEN
The men's team finished runner-up, 3 points behind Mt. San Antonio College. 
Sophomore Jyden Schmid was the individual race winner in the Men’s 4 mile race with a time of 19:09. He was followed by teammates Victor Rosas (3rd at 19:18), Alex Leroy (10th at 20:03), Joseph DePascale (13th at 20:07), Allen Malo (16th at 20:10), Ian Rosen (38th at 20:55), and Matthew Cordova (56th at 21:24). 

Jyden Schmid Interview
Victor Rosas Interview

Full Results
Dyestat Coverage