Results
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- Junior
Imani Heath took second place in the women's 6k run at Cal State San Bernardino's CCAA Preview meet on Saturday morning to lead the Pioneer cross country teams. The races were run on the same course as this year's California Collegiate Athletic Association championship meet.
Oddessy Tapia also notched a top-12 finish as the Cal State East Bay women finished in fourth place out of eight teams, finishing ahead of CCAA-rival Cal State L.A. and Division I Cal State Fullerton. The Pioneer men took fourth out of five squads, led by
Will Weekes, who finished 21st in the men's 8k race.
"Today was a really good test for us and gave us an opportunity to race on this year's conference course," said head coach
Ralph Jones. "We had two objectives today -- challenge ourselves to see where our fitness level is, and come home with some hardware! Both the men and women accomplished the first objective."
Heath claimed runner-up honors after running a lifetime-best 6k time of 22:47. Tapia crossed the finish line in 23:31.6 competing in her first race of the season.
Celina Vera placed 36th, finishing in 24:45.7. She was followed by
Sarah Perrin in 46th place with a time of 25:39.7.
Vanessa Mares clocked in at 27:39.1 to take 65th place, and
Cynia Sapp rounded out the women's showing with a time of 31:43.2 to finish 77th.
Weekes navigated the 8k course in 26.37.7 to pace the Pioneer men. He was followed by a group of four runners who all finished within 60 seconds of each other, between 44th and 57th place:
Adam Gardere (27:50.4),
Latee Piggee (27:57.0),
David Caballero (28:13.4), and
Irvin Parada (28:19.1).
Zach Kanlong clocked in at 29.17.3 to close out East Bay's effort.
"Four of our men ran personal best times today," added Jones. "We are continuing to progress and get healthier. It's a long season, and we are preparing for the long haul. Both teams need to get stronger and faster, so that will be our focus the next few weeks."
The Pioneers will compete next on Oct. 18 at the Bronco Invitational in Sunnyvale, Calif.
