10/16/21

The Central Arizona Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams embarked on their last team race before the national meet on Saturday, partaking in the HIghlander Invitational in Riverside, CA.  Central Arizona fared well against primarily NCAA D1 and D2 programs.  The Vaqueros placed 17th out of 26 teams and was the top JUCO school in the field.  The Vaqueras 19th out of 25 teams and was also the top JUCO school in the field. 

The Vaqueros were led by a new runner as Raphael Kitur challenged Christian Franklin for top honors running a 24:40 8km to Franklin's 24:46.  Other scorers for the men was Benjamin Morfin (25:50), Alazar Gethahun (25:56), and Davin Soto (26:21).  "The men really rose to the challenge and had a great race today.  I'm very proud of this team and am excited to see us race at nationals!" Stated Coach Jon Harmon.  "Raphael is starting to get back into top form and that only makes the team stronger.  Ben and Alazar are continuing to battle for a top spot on the team, it's exciting to see it unfold".

The Vaqueras also had a new top finisher as Makena Thornton displaced Ariz Duarte running 23:19 to Ariz's 23:32 over the 6km course.  Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueras was Beatrice Keditukei (23:37), Lisbet Porras (23:57), and Anette Carrasco Cota (24:17).  "These girls are strong and continue to motivate each other, going into nationals with a head of steam is what we were aiming for and I am very proud." Stated Harmon  "Makena is getting confidence, same can be said about Bella Gallo.  We have a few more weeks to continue to foster the most out of our training before the big race".

Central Arizona will compete at the NJCAA Region Championships held on 10/29/21 held in Avondale.  Since CAC is the only D1 program in the Region most runners will be preparing for the national meet held in Richmond, VA.