Men's Cross Country finish 4th at CCCAA Norcal Championships
After a spectacular Big 8 conference championship performance, the 2017 Big 8 Men's Champions and 2 lady Vikings competed in the 2017 Northern California XC Championships in Salinas (Toro Park). The hilly conditions were no issue for the women runners who both showed they knew the course and were well prepared for the race, both recording season personal bests and qualifying as individuals for the state championship meet. Jessica Mendez ran 20:26 placing 22nd and Alyssa Clark placed 34th overall in 21:11.
The Men's team placed 4th overall and also qualified for the state championships. Luis Ramirez and Jordan Bandtell worked together and carried each other throughout the race to finish 16th and 17th with respective times of 21:18 and 21:21. Kevin Orellana followed closely behind placing 20th with a time of 21:27. Ata Ozmen was next to finish placing 29th with a time of 21:53 and rounding out the scoring team was Sayed Opeyany in 22:02 placing 33rd. John (JJ) Perez ran a strong race finishing 38th and Parker Shields 75th This was the highest NorCal team finish for the Vikes in over a decade.
The CCCAA State championship will take place in Fresno at Woodward Park on Saturday November 18th.
--Thomas Glascock | XC Sports Information Intern |
