October 29, 2022

For the first time in conference/region history, the championship meet was combined.  Meaning that there was a solo ACCAC Champion, which consists of all schools in the conference.  In addition, there would also be two seperate Region 1 Champions based on Division.   

Central Arizona College Men and Women continued their upward trend leading into the NJCAA National Championships by both claiming 1st place at the Region 1 Championships held at Signal Peak on Saturday.  The Vaqueros took it a step further by also winning the ACCAC Conference Championship while the Vaqueras placed 2nd.

"We had some solid performances from some individuals from the men and women's teams today."  Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon, "We now just have to put together a total team effort this next race, I believe we can do that at nationals".

The Vaqueros were lead by Elliot Smith who won the Region 1 title and claimed runner-up in the conference.  Elliot's time of 24:50 for the 8km course is also a new pr by nearly 30 seconds.  

"I am happy for Elliot" Stated Harmon.  "He came into season out of shape but really dug in and wanted to be ready to compete at the region meet."

Elliot was closely followed by Alazar Getahun (3rd overall in conference) who claimed runner-up honors in the region.  Rounding out scoring was Julian Campos (4th overall in conference) for 3rd in region, Jorge Corona (7th overall in conference) placed 4th in region, and Gift Mashilo (14th overall in conference) placed 5th overall in the region.

The Vaqueros had a perfect score of 15 to claim the Region 1 Championship, placing all 5 of their runners in front of #12 Division 1 Pima Community College, respectively. 

The men also scored 30 points in the ACCAC Championship, outdistancing Division 2 #3 ranked Paradise Valley by 14 points.  Mesa Community College, which is ranked #2 in the Nation for Division 2, placed 3rd overall.

"Jorge was surrounded by the opposition but he did not break, he kept his eyes on the prize and helped us take home both championships today" Explained Harmon. 

The Vaqueras nearly replicated the success of the men's team by winning the Division 1 Region 1 Championship but had to settle for runner-up honors in the ACCAC Championship.  

The women scored 17 points to Pima Community College 45 for the Region 1 Title.  The ACCAC Conference Title was awarded to Mesa Community College, which ranks #2 in the Nation for Division 2. 

The Vaqueras were once again led by Beatrice Keditukei who won the Region 1 Championship and placed 3rd overall in conference results.  

"Beatrice really stepped up today along with Lisbet, Jaida, and Melissa" Said Harmon.  "I feel that once we get a little rest we will be back on track to go to nationals and aim to compete well."

Lisbet Porras, a local product from Casa Grande, claimed runner up honors in the region and placed 4th overall in the conference. 

Rounding out scoring for the women was Jaida Lyles (6th overall in conference) for 3rd in region, Melissa Ruse (17th overall) placed 5th in the region, and Brianna Samuels (20th overall) finished 6th in the region. 

The NJCAA National meet will be held on 11/12/22 in Tallahassee, Florida at Appalachian Regional Park.  The Division 1 Women's race is slated for 9:15am and the Division 1 Men's race is slated for 11:00am.

For complete results and scoring from the ACCAC/Region 1 Championships please click here.