The Corcoran High Cross country team competed in the Roughrider Invite Friday in Fresno.
“It was a hectic day for a lot of our runners. Not only did they have to worry about racing in today’s race but also leaving immediately after their race in order to make the homecoming festivities,” said Coach Isaias Ramirez.
The Frosh-Soph Boys’ placed sixth overall despite missing two of their top runners. Eliseo Mendez went out strong in the first mile and set the pace for his teammates. Gabriel Guerrero responded well in the second mile and moved up several spots in the last 400 meters of the race. Gabriel Guerrero (12:56) took 12th place, Eliseo Mendez took (12:59) 14th place, and Carlos Rojas (13:10) placed 20th and brought home medals for the FS team.
The Junior Varsity Boys’ were led by Aldo Garcia who had a time of 12:49 in the 2.2 mile race.
“Aldo made things really interesting at the end. He out sprinted several runners at the finish in order to get the last medal of the race,” added Ramirez. “It’s those type of efforts that make athletes work harder and harder in practice.”
The Varsity Boys’ team placed fourth overall and were led by Jonathan Matson who finished fourth with a time of 16:28.
“Our varsity team continues to work on staying as a pack during the race. We just need to continue to move that pack forward. That will be the key for us to win the Valley Championship this year,” Coach Ramirez said.
The Varsity Girls are still dealing with some health issues, he noted.
“I know we will be good to go once we get healthy again,” commented Ramirez.
Dulce Beas recorded a time of 21:40 and Roxana Lule clocked in at 21:57 and led the girls to a 13th place finish.
The Panthers traveled to Woodlake yesterday (Wednesday) to compete in another East Sequoia League mini meet.
