Saturday

Central Arizona College Men and Women Cross Country competed at the NJCAA National Championships held at Pole Green Park in Richmond, VA on Saturday.  The women placed 13th overall out of 25 teams, falling short of their goal to be on the podium.  

"We have high expectations, going to Nationals and not finishing in the top 3 is a disappointment"  Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon, who finishes his 14 year with the program.  "The women have been consistent all year and all ran faster than what they produced in high school but not having anyone in the top 20 really hurt us."

Central Arizona College entered the meet ranked 13th in the Nation according to the USTFCCCA National Coaches Poll.  "As a team we have to understand what we did wrong and focus on the things we did right throughout the course of our season, and learn from both experiences" Stated Harmon.

The Vaqueras were lead by Jessica Chaparro Viera who toured the 5km course in 19:04 which was good enough to place her 51st overall.  Jessica's time was the 7th fastest among all Arizona Junior College runners on Saturday.  There were a total of 185 athletes competing in this years championship meet.

"Jessica has ran solid all year for us"  Stated Harmon.  "She ran over 2 minutes faster than what she did in high school and I know will continue to get even stronger and faster at the next level."

Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueras were:

Alesyia Barlow (58th overall) completed the course in 19:21 for the 9th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Colleen Allen (65th overall) completed the course in 19:28 for the 12th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Cassidy Davidson (88th overall) completed the course in 20:02 for the 16th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Rylee Koopee (98th overall) completed the course in 20:23 for the 17th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Tatyana Enriquez (106th overall) completed the course in 20:31 for the 18th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Reshila Curley (108th overall) completed the course in 20:35 for the 19th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Central Arizona College had an average time of 19:40 which was the 3rd best average for all Arizona Junior College teams and had the second most American athletes (top 5 scorers) from any team in the top 15 in Division 1.