Saturday

Central Arizona College Men's and Women's Cross Country competed at the highly competitive UCR Invitational on Saturday.  The meet, which boasts some of the faster NCAA D1 and D2 schools in the southwest, proved to be a good challenge for the Vaqueros as they prepare for the NJCAA National Championship in November.

"I like going to UCR because it really shows the men and women what we are doing correctly and what we need to do better"  Stated Coach Jon Harmon, "It's humbling to open up our racing season against some very fast D1 and D2 athletes."

The UCR Invitational produces some of the nation's top performances this early in September year after year, so a good performance at the meet helps set the outlook for the remainder of the season.  This year's invitational section hosted 248 athletes and 26 teams invited.  The men placed 23rd overall. NCAA D1 Arizona State was 22nd Overall. Mt. Sac (21st Overall) was the only other two year institution in this year's race.

"The men had a few distractions coming into this meet and weren't prepared for how fast collegiate athletes run but considering it was their first ever 8k and first race of the season, I say we are on a good path" Stated Harmon.

The Vaqueros were led by freshman Japhet Kiprono (84th overall), who toured the 8km course for a new personal best in 24:38.  Japhet's time places him as the 7th fastest time ever run at UCR for the Vaqueros.  

Concluding scoring for the men was:

Samuel Gilson (104th Overall) ran 24:50.

Jayden Smith (112th Overall) ran 24:56 which is his first 8k and new personal record.

Sulliman Rodriguez (189th Overall) ran 25:42 which is his first 8k and new personal record.

Marius Delchard (225th Overall) ran 26:19 which is his first 8k and new personal record.

Emmanuel Simiyu (240thOverall) ran 27:02 which is his first 8k and new personal record.

Sandile Pule (242nd Overall) ran 27:21. 

The men currently have the 2nd best 8k average (25:17) in the Nation for NJCAA D1 after today's race.

The Vaqueros will look to improve on their first race of the season at their next meet which will be the ACCAC Conference Championships hosted by Estrella Mountain Community College on Friday.