Results

STANFORD, Calif. – The Pioneers received some good individual performances at the Stanford Invitational on September 29. The Stanford Invitational featured 22 Division I, 10 Division II and 3 Division III Colleges.

“Both teams struggled today because there were just so many people racing,” Pioneer coach Ralph Jones said.  “This is one of the most competitive and deepest races in the country and our first time running Stanford, but it was a great learning experience for us.”

Robinea McClinton led a good performance for the Pioneer women's cross country team at the Stanford Invitational. McClinton placed 25th among Division II runners and 159 overall out of 292 participants. She covered the 6k course in 23:20. Celina Vera ran a strong race finishing 171st overall in 23:27. McClinton and Vera posted season-best times.

Imani Heath was the Pioneers' third top finisher with a season-best time of 24:29 (237th). Heath was followed by Tiffany Duffy (250th, 24:55), Amanda McNabb (256th, 25:16) and Vanessa Mares (260th, 25:23). Julia Wilson took 272nd place in 26:03 while Nastassia Hamor placed 277th in 26:43.

“Robin, Celina and Imani all ran season best performances, but all three ladies wanted to run better,” Jones said.  “It's great to see that we have athletes who even when they run good are not satisfied.”

Will Weekes was 37th out of 48 Division II runners and 219 out of 265 overall to lead the men's effort. Weekes finished the 8k course in 27:51. Justin Pryor was timed in 29:37 to finish 251st overall. John Vergara was close behind Pryor in 253rd place with a time of 29:44.

“I am proud how both teams went out and competed and we are seeing gradual improvements,” Jones said. “The important thing is we are getting better and the key is to run well at conference. It's not how you start, but how you finish.”

Both Pioneer cross country teams will compete at the Cal State Stanislaus 5k Invitational on October 6.