Saturday

Central Arizona's Cross Country Teams competed at the George Kyte Invitational hosted by Northern Arizona University on Saturday.  The meet, which consisted of NCAA D1 and NJCAA programs, was the season opener for both the men and women teams.  

Northern Arizona won the meet with both perfect scores of 15 for the men and women.  NAU's Men are ranked 14th in nation for NCAA D1 and the Women are ranked 10th.

"It's very humbling to come to this meet and compete against all the major universities in the state"  Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon who begins his 15th Season with the program.  "We approach this race as a tool to see what path we are on and what adjustments we need to make moving forward."

The Vaquero's were led by Sophomore Jayden Smith, who toured the 4.5 mile race in 23:40.40 which was good enough for 28th overall.  Jayden's time places him as the 4th best time on the NAU Short Course among CAC athletes.  "I'm proud of Jayden for his performance today." Stated Harmon "We had a plan for most of the guys and he mostly followed the plan but I know he was itching to run faster."  "He will get his opportunity at our next meet and I'm excited to see what he can do."

Rounding out placing for the Vaquero's were:

Joel Barros 23:58.90 (39th Overall) 6th Best Time on the NAU Short Course Among CAC Athletes

Fausto Pianciola 24:02.40 (41st Overall) 7th Best Time on the NAU Short Course Among CAC Athletes

Gabrial Escanuela 24:07.60 (45th Overall) 8th Best Time on the NAU Short Course Among CAC Athletes

Emmanual Simiyu 24:13.80 (47th Overall) 10th Best Time on the NAU Short Course Among CAC Athletes

Sandile Pule 24:39.30 (61st Overall)

Federico Tejada 24:42.80 (63rd Overall)

Carson Wetzel 24:59.50 (73rd Overall)

Max Lopez 25:11.30 (78th Overall)

Justin Escanuela 25:39.50 (86th Overall)

Micah Peynado 26:13.80 (103rd Overall)

Erardo Gonzales 26:32.00 (113th Overall)

The Men Placed 6th Overall among 13 Complete Teams with a 33 second spread among 1-5 and a 1:02 second spread among 1-7.