Cross Country begins at SMC

Cross-country season officially started for SMC Friday, Sept. 2, with the Ventura Invitational, which took place at Arroyo Verde Park. Freshman Nick Alvarez, was the standout runner finishing in 40th place with an average mile of 5:54 and a time of 23:37.83, receiving a score of 34.

Alvarez was able to improve his prior time at this race by almost a minute.

On the women’s team, the best finisher was Sophomore Jamillet Maldonado, who placed in 16th position with an average mile of 6:47 and a time of 21:06.23. She received a score of 15.

Overall, both teams finished in 8th place.

Eric Barron, the head coach who has been coaching the women’s team for the past 12 years and the men’s for past two years, is very confident about the upcoming season.

Training occurs all year round with the competitive season taking place during the fall.

“We had a good summer of training, and on the men’s side, we have good depth,” he said.

Most of the training for both teams is carried out off campus, with the main grounds being the grass median of San Vicente Boulevard, Will Rogers State Park, and the hill on 21st Street, south of campus.

Last year, the women’s team qualified for the Southern California Regional Championship.

Barron is looking forward to the next race on September 17, which will take place at the Orange Coast Invitational, mentioning that there were several key athletes who were unable to participate in the first race.

“By our second race, we should have full squads and be able to improve our teams’ positions,” said Barron. “Our goal for both teams is to have them qualify for the Regional Championship.”

Click here to go to the SMC Men's Track schedule and roster. Click here to go the SMC Women's Track schedule and roster.