Results (PDF)

BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Cal State East Bay men's cross country team turned in a strong effort amid freezing, snowy conditions at Amend Park Saturday morning to finish in 17th place out of 28 teams at NCAA Division II West Regionals. 

This matches the program's second-highest finish at the Regional meet since re-joining Division II a decade ago. It's an impressive feat, especially considering it was the first NCAA race and the first time running a collegiate 10k for all but two members of the team.

"I'm really proud of this team," said head coach Tony Nicolosi. "We had several individuals bounce back after a tough conference meet. They handled the elements beautifully and gained valuable experience."

The Pioneers were led by junior Julian Johnson, who finished 78th in the overall field with a time of 32:53.69. That ranks as the 11th-fastest 10k in school history.

Freshman Bryan Llopis stepped up and ran an outstanding race to take 84th place and etch his name in the Pioneer record books as well. The rookie's time of 33:03.90 ranks just behind Johnson at No. 12 on the all-time list.

Llopis finished neck-and-neck with junior Esteban Leon, who placed 85th in 33:04.81. Senior Israel Sotelo was not far behind, taking 95th place as CSUEB's fourth finisher. Sotelo wrapped up his Pioneer career with a time of 33:23.03 in his final collegiate cross country race.

The fifth contribution to the team score came from junior Melvin Esteva, who earned a 114th place finish in 33:48.97. 

CCAA Freshman of the Year Xavier Smith navigated his first career 10k race in 34:02.98 to finish in 122nd place. He was followed closely by sophomore Luke Calubayan in 125th place with a time of 34:09.19.

"Graduating just one runner from the team puts us in a great spot for next season," remarked Nicolosi. "And we are very proud of our lone senior, Israel. He battled injuries all year and managed the best Regional finish of his four-year career."