Boys to State Finals

For the second consecutive week the cross country teams watched the sun rise as they traveled the I-10 east to Mt. San Antonio College to compete in the CIF Southern Section Championships. This week was the finals and state qualifying berths up for grabs.

The boys race kicked off at 7:45 am and was successful. The boys earned their spot at state finals for the second time in OC history. The boys set a number of OC bests in the process. Their 6th place team finish is the highest in the school's seven seasons. The team time of 85:24 is a OC record on the MSAC course bettering last weeks mark by :40 and the state finals team of 2004's time by 1:07. Additionally, the team time for all seven runners combined was also the fastest in OC history on the MSAC course.

Charlie led the team placing 11th overall in 16:17. Although he did not improve his OC record time his 11th place finish is the highest by any boy in OC history. He is also the first boys to ever medal for OC.

Ethan placed 19th with a PR 16:27 to move to #2 all-time in OC history. He has now moved ahead of Eric Meissner and Kyle Block who both ran 16:30. His 16:27 improved his OC junior record from MSAC Invitational by :07.

Hunter was next in 17:16 followed by Rafael in a PR 17:20. They placed 48th and 49th respectively. Mike, having rested a leg injury, had not raced since Stanford. Mike gutted out a 18:04 to be the fifth man for OC. Nick C was next in 18:08. Justin ran 20:02.

Rosie competed in her third CIF SS Finals, the most by any girl in OC history. Her season ended sooner than expected, but now she will enjoy some well earned rest and relaxation.

The Lions will be traveling to Fresno next weekend. They will depart on Friday morning, arrive at the race course for a brief practice and meet check-in. Saturday morning at 8:30 am the boys will toe the line for the last time this season and a chance to make history at the State Finals. Don't miss it!!