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 men placed 9th overall out of 28 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 men didn't race to their full capability we let this meet slip away from us."

Central Arizona College entered the meet ranked 10th 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 Vaqueros were lead by Samuel Gilson who toured the 8km course in 24:36 which was good enough to place him 25th overall.  Sam's time was the fastest among all Arizona Junior College runners on Saturday and earned him USTFCCCA All-American Honors.  There were a total of 193 athletes competing in this years championship meet.

"Sam has ran solid all year for us"  Stated Harmon.  "I know this wasn't the result he was looking for but I know he's a competitor and will come back even stronger for track season."

Rounding out scoring for the Vaqueros were:

Japhet Kiprono (29th overall) completed the course in 24:43 for the second best time from all Arizona Junior College runners and earned USTFCCCA All-American Honors.

Jayden Smith (52nd overall) completed the course in 25:37 for the 5th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Jorge Felix Valle (82nd overall) completed the course in 26:11 for the 8th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Sulliman Rodriguez (85th overall) completed the course in 26:20 for the 9th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Marius Delchard (98th overall) completed the course in 26:31 for the 12th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Sandile Pule (156th overall) completed the course in 27:48 for the 20th best time from all Arizona Junior College runners.

Central Arizona College had an average time of 25:29 which was the best average for all Arizona Junior College teams and had the second most American athletes (top 5 scorers) from any team in the top 10 in Division 1.