Head coach Sean Ricketts often talks about controllables. Weather is an element you cannot control. Focus and prepare for the unexpected in less than ideal conditions. Despite the unseasonably warm weather, the San Diego Mesa College men’s and women’s cross country team dominated and repeated as Pacific Coast Athletic Conference champions.
No element was going to slow down the Olympians. The women’s team finished in first place with a total time of 1:39.52. In second place, Cuyamaca College with at 1:51.15, and in third place, SD City College turning in a 1:57.25.
The men’s squad also captured the title finishing with a time of 1:45.40. Cuyamaca College followed in second place with 1:52.2, and in third place, Southwestern College 2:11.11.
“We were pleased with our performance today,” adds Ricketts. “We executed the race plan and demonstrated their strength as a team as we head into the championship phase of the season.”
In the men’s 4 mile race, seven Olympians finished consecutively, led by Conference MVP Jyden Schmid who finished with a 20:47.1 time. He was followed by Victor Rosas (20:59.9), Allen Malo (21:11.9), Alex Leroy (21:12.8), Joseph DePascale (21:28.7), Ian Rosen (21:38.3), and Matthew Cordova (21:39.4). Ronald Way placed 9th, Josh Edwards in 11th place, and Eduard Serrano finished 13th.
The women’s team, led by Alexis Noble, captured the title in the 5K race with a time of 19:43.9. She was followed by six of her teammates. Kyana Cook (19:53.5), Joelle Tonne (19:54.2), Sophie Moser-Smith (19:54.2), Madison Decker (20:25.2), Haidyn McKenzie (20:35.8), Sidney Garcia (20:45.0). Isabelle Gilmore finished 9th, Diandra Kara 12th place, and Phoebe Araujo in 13th place to round out the top 15.
The biggest strength of both teams is the connection they have for each other. If they continue to trust the process, success will follow.
Both teams will be headed to El Dorado East Regional Park in Long Beach on Friday, November 3 for the Southern California Championships.
For full results, click here.