Results

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- In its final tuneup before 2018 CCAA Championships, the Cal State East Bay men's cross country team posted its best performance so far this Fall to place fifth in the Santa Clara Bronco 8k Open Saturday morning.

The Pioneers beat 16 schools in a huge field that included 260 runners from 21 teams. They finished just nine points behind conference rival Stanislaus State for fourth place.

"Today was a major step in the right direction," said head coach Tony Nicolosi. "We have a young team that has been training well, but so far hadn't been able to put it together in a race. They executed well today, and it should hopefully give the team confidence heading into the postseason."

Freshman Xavier Smith paced the Pioneers with a 12th place individual finish. The rookie raced into the school record books as well, with a time of 25:03.8 that ranks as the third-fastest 8k in program history.

Also adding his name to the all-time list was fellow newcomer Julian Johnson. The junior now ranks in the program's top-10 after finishing 18th on Saturday with a time of 25:19.5

In the last regular season race of his collegiate career, Israel Sotelo posted a personal best time. The senior crossed the finish in 25:33.3, good for 28th place overall. He was followed by fellow four-year athlete Esteban Leon, who finish in 25:42.6 to earn 36th place. 

Sophomore Luke Calubayan was East Bay's fifth scoring runner and became the fourth finisher on the team to notch a PR when he crossed the tape 72nd in 26:19.0.

Freshmen Justin Flores (26:32.9) and Bryan Llopis (26:43.8) placed 94 and 107th, respectively, to finish off CSUEB's morning at Baylands Regional Park. 

Next up, the Pioneers have a few weeks to prepare before traveling to San Bernardino for the CCAA championship meet on Nov. 3.