FHS Senior Cecilia Cisneros.

FHS Senior Daniel Cruz.

FHS Junior Eva Vieyra.

FHS Sophomore Erick Gutierrez.

On Saturday, the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams traveled to the University of Santa Barbara to compete in the UCSB Gaucho Invitational. Athletes competed in either a short race of 1.43 miles or a longer 3 mile race for the more seasoned competitor.

The first race of the day featured 4 Fillmore girls running the longer course. The Flashes were led by Cecilia Cisneros 69th in 23:30.50, followed by Lorena Izarraras 70th in 23:30.80, Emma Orozco 98th in 24:56.30, and Eva Vieyra 119th in 26:56.30.

The second race of the day for the Flashes was run over the long course. Top runner in this race was Erick Gutierrez who ran to a 37th place finish and was the only male athlete to medal over the 3 mile course. He posted a good early season time of 17:45.68. He was followed by Matthew Munoz 61st in 18:14.27, Alex Recancoj 65tth in 18:20.15, Jesus Cadena 70th, in 18:42.49, Andrew Otineru 108th in 20:13.35, Jorge Acevedo 112th 20:29.71, Daniel Cruz 119th in 21:02.39, and Luis Leon 112th in 21:12.02.

The next group of Fillmore athletes ran over the short course and were led by second year runner Ebony Venegas. Ebony finished in 6th place in 9:48.64 and was the only medal winner among the Fillmore girl competitors today. She was followed by Angelica Herrera 45th in 11:20.52, Maribel Mejia 76th in 12:23.67, Emma Ortiz 80th in 12:28.77, Jasmine Vega 82nd in 12:30.57, Isabel De La Cruz 90th in 12:50.97, Isabella De La Cruz 91st in 12:57.22, and Daisy Guerrero 102nd in 13:59.46.

The final race of the day was also run over the short course. Leading the Fillmore Harriers was newcomer James Flores who placed 14th in a time of 9:03.63. James was also a medal winner for the Flashes. He was followed by Andres Gonzalez 25th in 9:21.72, Anthony Gonzalez 47th in 9:48.65, Eneyin Ortega 68th in 10:11.25, and Anthony Estrella 91st in 11:29.61.

The team had a great start to the season. On the day, the Flashes brought home 3 individual medals. Team scores were not posted. The Flashes will next compete in the Cool Breeze Invitational at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on 9/7 at 4 P.M. Hope to see you there.