10/9/21

The Central Arizona Cross Country teams embarked on the inaugural "CAMPY" Invitational on Saturday, hosting teams from the ACCAC and a few teams from outside the state.  In addition to the junior colleges in attendance, a couple of universities and unattached runners competed, most notable CAC Alumni.  

"It was a great day and atmosphere for a race, there was plenty of support from the various departments within CAC to help provide a smooth and exciting first meet on campus in over 15 years" Stated Coach Jon Harmon.  "For the cross country teams, it meant a lot being able to represent what it means to be a Vaquero/Vaquera on our home turf".

Even former CAC athletes jumped in on the excitement as 3 alumni participated in this year's first event.  "I was ecstatic to see Harry Mulenga, Fermin Villagran, and Henry Lelei again and it warms my heart that they are still running at a high level, years after graduating as a Vaquero" Stated Harmon.  "Those guys definitely pushed the field which in turn helps everyone else run fast.  Couldn't have been more proud to say they were a part of CAC and its tradition, a truly amazing place to be."

Harry won the individual title, claiming top honors in a blazing 24:33 for the grueling 8km course.  Fermin, who finished 2nd overall, was also impressively under the sub 25 minute mark, running 24:58.  The Vaquero's were led once again by Christian Franklin, who ran a new personal best of 25:22 and claiming 3rd overall out-kicking teammate Raphael Kitur (25:24) in the homestretch.  "That was exciting, to see those guys battle for the next spot means that they are not content coasting to the finish.  They are only going to get stronger these next few weeks" Stated Coach Harmon.  Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueros was Benjamin Morfin (8th overall), Alazar Getahun (9th), and Davin Soto (12th).  The Vaqueros won the meet, scoring 20 points to Mesa CC who scored 87 points for 2nd place, respectively.  

The Vaqueras didn't have any alumni entered in the race but that did not stop them from winning their second meet in as many weeks as they ran to a perfect score of 15.  Ottawa University was 2nd with 55 points, respectively. "Our women ran great today, we didn't field our whole team so it was good to see some of the ladies step up and pick up some of the slack from their teammates who were missing"  Stated Harmon.  The Vaqueras were led by Lisbet Porras, who claimed runner-up honors on the grueling course, running 19:18 for the 5km.  Mesa CC Makayla Englehardt won the meet with an impressive 19:03 mark.  Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueras was Makena Thornton (4th overall), Ariz Duarte (8th), Jaedyn Brown (9th), and Anette Carrasco Cota (11th).  "The course is definitely not flat, so the field ran amazing today and our women took care of business.  I was happy to see Lisbet, Makena, and Jaedyn start to believe in what they can do as we push towards our goals." Said Harmon.

The CAMPY Invitational is appropriately named after the 5 pillars who helped CAC Cross Country/Track teams win over 20 National Championships since the schools opening.  Retired Athletic Director Chuck Schnoor, Retired Head Coach Track/Assistant Cross Country Al Shirley, Retired Head Coach/Assistant Track Mike Gray, Retired Head Coach/Assistant Track Paul Tavares, and the infamous architect of the cross country program and 4 time Olympian George Young.

"All these great living legends helped establish a winning standard that this school and the cross country programs still maintain to this day.  I am honored to have had them all in attendance and to have had a chance to learn from them along the years"  Stated Harmon "They are all CAMPY in their own unique way, love CAC, and embody the passion of what it means to be a Vaquero".

The Cross Country Teams are back in action on 10/16 at the Highlander Invitational in Riverside, CA.  

(Women's team Champions)

(CAMPY: Chuck Schnoor, Al Shirley, Mike Gray, Paul Tavares, George Young)