COLFAX, Wash. – UC Santa Barbara Women's and Men's Cross Country competed in their last meet of the season at NCAA West Regionals hosted by Washington State, where both teams fought for a chance to race at nationals in Madison, Wis. The women kicked things off on a 6K course at Colfax Golf Club while the men competed in their first 10K race.
The women's race saw Ava Maier leading the way for UC Santa Barbara with a time of 22:04.3, followed closely behind by Lexi Darley who posted 22:11.8 in a very hard fought race. Next to cross the finish line for the Gauchos was Sophia Gutierrez, followed by Lindsey Reed, Ryann Strawn, and Jana Barron, who all stuck close together and pushed themselves all the way to the end in an amazing team effort. The top six for the Gauchos finished within 30 seconds of each other in a 29th place finish to close out their season.
"Ava was our top runner for the third time this season" stated associate head coach PattiSue Plumer. "Lexi Darley had a breakout race and shout out to freshman Ryann Strawn for the dramatic improvements she had made this season. I'm already excited for next season with these ladies!"
In the men's race, four athletes recorded new personal bests in the 10K, including Zachary Parker, who was the only Gaucho to finish in the top 100, posting a time of 31:07.3 and placing 85th. Senior Gus Marshall ran a time of 31:48.2 in his last collegiate race and was the next Gaucho to finish, followed by Parker Simmons who recorded 32:07.3 in the 10K. The next three Gauchos all posted personal bests to end their seasons, with Parker Herbert posting a time of 32:20.7, Jake Ratkovich recording 32:26.4, and Parker Stickney running 34:17.8 in his first 10K. Aakersh Mathur was on pace to record a personal best in the 10K as well until he suffered an injury mid-race and was unable to cross the finish line.
"Zach Parker and Gus Marshall were outstanding leaders both on and off the course this week" said Plumer. "I have loved my first season working with this great group of Gauchos."
With the cross country season coming to a close for the Gauchos, Santa Barbara's long distance athletes will turn their focus towards preparing for the upcoming Track and Field season in the spring. The cross country season continues with the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Madison, Wis. on Nov. 23.
WOMEN'S RESULTS
142 - Ava Maier - 22:04.3
156 - Lexi Darley - 22:11.8
167 - Sophia Gutierrez - 22:15.5
177 - Lindsey Reed - 22:19.5
184 - Ryann Strawn - 22:24.1
195 - Jana Barron - 22:33.6
238 - Leah Mendibles - 23:30.8
UC Santa Barbara finished 29th of 39 teams
MEN'S RESULTS
85 - Zachary Parker - 31:07.3 (PR)
126 - Gus Marshall - 31:48.2
139 - Parker Simmons - 32:03.7
149 - Parker Herbert - 32:20.7 (PR)
152 - Jake Ratkovich - 32:26.4 (PR)
196 - Parker Stickney - 34:17.8 (PR)
UC Santa Barbara finished 20th of 31 teams
