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By Kevin Castaneda
By Kevin Castaneda
Some people run to lose those extra pounds we gain over the holidays. Some run because unfortunately, there is someone chasing them. But there are those who run for the pure adrenaline, and glory you get out of it.
These are the athletes we call the cross country team. They run to achieve victory. To let their athletic ability be free to themselves, and others who watch and admire.
RCC’s women’s cross country team showed it loved to run on Nov. 20 at the Athletics Championship in Fresno. Though the Tigers did not come out with a victory, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams demonstrated great Tiger pride.
The Tigers were able to finish, for the second consecutive year, as the state runnerup. Only being out run by Orange Empire Conference rival Orange Coast College. The Pirates won with a score of 62 points. The Tigers finished with 161 points, just barely getting second, by beating out Glendale, which had 167 points.
The Tigers achieved this with outstanding performances by Alana Curie, Ana Mendoza and Amy Gilsen. All three athletes finished the 5K flat course in less than 20 minutes, and all were in the top 20. Gilsen, who was 20th, finished with a time of 19:39. Mendoza finished with a time of 19:37. Curie, with the best time of all three women, finished in 19:35 and placed 17th.
Coach Mike Barbee was pleased by the way his two freshmen ran.
“Some of our ladies didn’t finish how they wanted, but I was happy with the result of these two freshmen ladies, (Currie and Mendoza.)”
Some of the other women competing were: Christy Hoover, finished 41st: and Natasha Montoya who finished 65th with a time of 20:47.
“I’m very proud of the way this team demonstrated great strides of improvement throughout the season,” Barbee said. After losing coach Scott Parks, the team became one unit. Barbee said this was a positive impact for both teams throughout the season.
The Tigers had a great running season, finishing with a record of 10-2. They showed great ability, coming back after a runnerup season, to get another one in the bag. Which can be considered a victory in itself. First might not have been achieved, but there is no shame in getting second.
“The team handled their situations well and for that I, and the other two coaches, are extremely proud,” Barbee said.