For the third consecutive race, the Estrella Mountain Community College Cross-Country Mountain Lions all recorded personal best times at the ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletics Conference) Championships this past Saturday at Scottsdale Community College.
“I’m proud of the way each runner has progressed throughout the season,” noted Carl Tichenor, head coach for the men’s and women’s team. “This is the inaugural season for the program with a mix of both experienced and inexperienced runners. But, the common bond they share is their commitment to the rigors of the sport and their desire to improve in each race. They definitely did that today.”
Completing the 5K race for women were Alyssa Fell and Jess Stewart who finished 37th and 40th, respectively, in the 6-team field. Leading the men over the 8K course for the Mountain Lions was David Rodrigo (33rd), followed by Juan Olvera (40th), Eli Nieto (42nd), Brad Rowley (45th), Charlie Fridrich (54th), David Perez (57th), and Efrain Loera (60th). As a team, the men finished in 7th place overall.
Next up for the Mountain Lions is the Grand Canyon University Invitational to be held at Evelyn Hallman Park, 1900 N. College Avenue in Tempe on Saturday, October 9. The 5K women’s race begins at 7:45 AM; the 8K men’s race will start at 8:45 AM.