By Epi Torres

On October 20th, the Flashes Cross Country teams traveled to Walnut, California to compete in the 75th running of the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational. This is the biggest cross country meet in the Nation, and is run over a challenging, 2.93 mile hilly course. This course is also the venue for Southern Section Division Prelims and Finals.

The sophomore’s girls were the first race of the day. This race was shortened to a distance of 1.8 miles due to excessive heat. Miley Tello led the girls with a 14th place finish in a time of 14:15. She was followed by Jannet Vega 38th in 15:31, Michelle Setty 39th in 15:31, Xitlali Guerrero 67th in 17:17, and Patzy Orozco 76th in 17:44. Miley Tello was a medal winner in this race. In the team competition the girls finished in 6th place.

The varsity boys followed. Eddie Vigil led this team with a second place finish in a time of 16:24. He was followed by Angel Garcia 5th in 17:01; Diego Ramirez 18th in 17:42; Joshua Estrada 27th in 18:04; Martin Manzo 52nd in 18:51; Omar Heredia 59th in 19:08; and Angel Laureano 70th in 19:25. Eddie Vigil and Angel Garcia were medal winners in this 2.93 mile race. In the team competition, the varsity boys finished in second, and were awarded a team plaque and 7 team medals.

In the sophomore boys race, Philip Jimenez was the lone competitor. Philip finished in 191st in 26:47.

Joseline Orozco was the first finisher for the Junior Varsity girls. Joseline finished in 36th place in a time of 23:44. She was followed by teammate Natalie Perez, who finished in 113th place in 27:10.

The junior varsity boys were led by Juan Cumatz. Juan finished in 50th place in a time of 19:34. He was followed by Vicente Lopez 66th in 19:57, Nick Cabrales 118th in 21:32; Damian Castaneda 154th in 22:50; Juan Castro 156th in 23:08; and Alex Diaz 182nd in 27:29. In the team competition, they finished in 15th place.

The Girls Varsity Sweepstake race, showcased a wealth of ranked teams from Divisions 3, 4, and 5. Nataly Vigil led the Fillmore girls with a 18th place finish in 19:25. She was followed by Niza Laureano 45th in 20:26; Leah Barragan 75th in 21:22; Diana Santa Rosa 77th in 21:29; Jessica Orozco 79th in 21:32; Alexandra Martinez 104th in 22:57; and Jacqueline Olivares 106th in 23:17. Nataly Vigil was a medal winner in this race. In the team competition, Fillmore was 14th.

The Fillmore Cross Country teams will now prepare for the Citrus Coast League Finals. Teams competing in this meet are Carpinteria, Channel Islands, Fillmore, Malibu, and Nordhoff. This meet is on November 2nd and is run over the challenging Lake Casitas course in Ojai. This meet will determine League Champions at all 4 levels, and also, who will represent the Citrus Coast League in the postseason Southern Section Division Prelims and Finals.