Friday

Central Arizona College Cross Country competed in the Region 1 Championship hosted by Mesa Community College on Friday.  The meet, which consisted of all the junior colleges that make up Region 1, was a tune up before the national meet in two weeks.

"I explained to both teams that we needed to go out and set the tone for our National Championship meet in November, I wanted us to go into the meet with confidence and execution." Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon.

The Vaqueras placed 5 in the top 8 against D1 programs Pima and Southern Nevada, respectively.  The Vaqueras rested one from their top 3 which gave an opportunity for some of the younger runners to step up at a championship meet.

"I told the women that we aren't racing our complete squad but that didn't mean it was a rest day.  It meant that I wanted the others to step up and help the team win and I'm happy they did"  Stated Harmon.

The Vaqueras were led by Alesyia Barlow for the first time this season.  Alesyia posted a 19:36 over 5km (6th overall) and was 1st in Division 1. Alesyia also earned All-Region honors.  

"Alesyia needed a good race to prove to herself that her training is there, now its just time to go out there and do it"  Stated Harmon.

Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueras were:

Jessica Chaparro Viera (7th overall) completed the course in 19:38 for second in the region and earned All-Region honors.

Tatyana Enriquez (12th overall) completed the course in 20:10 for fourth in the region and earned All-Region honors.  Tatyana also ran a new personal best in the 5km.

Rylee Koopee (16th overall) completed the course in 20:43 for 7th in the region and earned All-Region honors.

Colleen Allen (17th overall) completed the course in 20:52 for 8th in the region and earned All-Region honors.

Lyneen Jepkosgei (25th overall) completed the course in 21:29 for 11th in the region and earned All-Region honors.

Reshila Curley (30th overall) completed the course in 21:55 for 13th in the region and earned All-Region honors.

Central Arizona won the meet with a score of 22 points (a perfect score is 15) without one of their top 3 runners.  Pima (11th in nation) was second with 33 points while Southern Nevada (17th in nation) took third with 81 points, respectively. 

Cross Country will conclude their season at the NJCAA D1 National Championship held at Pole Green Park in Richmond, Virginia on 11/9.