October 7, 2022

The Vaqueros and Vaqueras competed at the Manny Bautista Invitational on Friday, with both teams placing in the top 3 overall. 

The Vaqueros claimed runner-up honors, only losing to host school San Diego Mesa College.  The men placed 2nd out of 18 total teams and outdistanced in-state schools Mesa Community College and Park University. 

The Vaqueras almost replicated the success of the men, narrowly missing 2nd overall by 10 points. They ended up taking 3rd place out of 16 teams.  Mesa Community College won the meet with a total of 60 points, respectively. 

"I am very happy with both teams and how they competed today." "We still need to get a couple of individuals to race better but as a team we are trending in the right direction"  Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon.  "Right now it is about continuing to build momentum as we head into the homestretch of our season."

The Vaqueros were led by Elliot Smith, who toured the course in 20:35.2, which was good enough for 6th place overall.  Following closely was Alazar Getahun, who took 8th overall with a time of 20:42.6.  Rounding out scoring for the men was Julian Campos (14th overall) with a 20:59.5, Gift Mashilo (27th overall) ran 21:26.8, and Jorge Corona (38th overall) who ran a 21:42.5.  There was a total of 195 runners in the men's 4 mile race.

"Elliot, Alazar, and Julian all ran very well today"  "Now as a team we have to focus on getting our 4th-7th stronger as we near the end of the season"  Stated Harmon.

The Vaqueras were once again led by their 3 sophomores studs, who all placed in the top 10 overall, respectively.  

Beatrice Keditukei finished 4th overall with a time of 19:08.1; Jaida Lyles finished 8th overall with a time of 19:40.9, and Lisbet Porras finished 9th overall with a time of 19:42.1.  Rounding out scoring for the ladies was freshman Melissa Ruse (40th overall) and Brianna Samuels (42nd overall).  There was a total of 125 runners in the women's field.  

"We have an awesome core of ladies but it is important that our 5th-7th runners start to lower the gap to our top 3" "I believe they did exactly that at this meet"  Said Coach Harmon.

The Cross Country Teams have a few days off before their next race at the Highlander Invitational hosted by the University of California-Riverside.

For complete results from the Manny Bautista Invitational, click here.