October 1, 2021

On a brisk Friday morning, the CAC Cross Country Teams squared off at the ACCAC Conference Championships with other community colleges in the state.  Mesa CC, Pima CC, Estrella Mountain CC, Glendale CC, Phoenix College, Coconino CC, and Paradise Valley CC all made up the championship race against the Vaqueros and Vaqueras.

On the women's side, CAC was lead once again by Ariz Duarte (sophomore) who placed 2nd overall.  "Ariz continues to impress, she's embracing that role as the team's top runner.  Just a year ago she was considered a pure 800 runner but is now starting to like the distance races a little more" Stated Coach Jon Harmon.  Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueras was Beatrice Keditukei (4th), Lisbet Porras (6th), Makena Thornton (8), and Anette Carrasco Cota (9th).  "Placing 5 ladies in the top 10 is impressive and we have a few that are continuing to get into shape, we will fight for top honors come nationals.  Lisbet really stepped up today, she started out the season as out 8th runner." Stated Harmon.  The Vaqueras had a total team score of 29 points to Mesa CC 55, and Paradise Valley 61.

The men, had a little more difficulty trying to repeat as conference champions, falling short to Mesa CC by 2 points.  The Vaqueros were led once again by Christian Franklin (Freshman) who continues his transition to the 8k distance by showing his range from the 10k all the way to the 400.  "Christian is a grinder, he will give it all he has.  That only makes the team work harder, he's been a great addition to the team"  Stated Harmon.  Rounding out scoring for the men was Raphael Kitur (3rd), Kyle Partin (7th), Alazar Getahun (10th), and James Fincher (13th).  "Alazar really stepped up today, he started out the year as our 9th guy on the team and today was our 4th.  He took last year off due to injury so each week he will continue to improve." Said Harmon.  Raphael Kitur, who ran his first race of the season, was asked to run with his teammates for more than half the race.  Kitur ended up catching every runner besides the top two.  "Raphael is getting back to it, he should compete for a top position at nationals.  He's a competitor".  

Central Arizona is back in action at thier home course on Saturday, October 9th.  The inaugural Vaquero CAMPY invitational is slated to take place with the men kicking off at 7:30am and the women at 8:15am.