SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 14) – Two weeks after a gritty performance on the challenging island course at the Big West Championships, the UC Santa Barbara Men's and Women's Cross Country teams are headed to the state capital for NCAA West Regionals. The Gauchos will face off against the top programs on the West Coast, racing for the chance to secure qualifying spots to the NCAA Division I National Championships.
DETAILS:
Race 1: Women's 6k at 9 am PT
Race 2: Men's 10k at 10 am PT
Location: Arcade Creek Cross Country Course, Sacramento, Calif.
Forecast: Mostly cloudy skies with a high of 62*, winds at 5 to 10 mph
How to Watch: follow along with Track Scoreboard
LAST MEET
The UC Santa Barbara Cross Country teams last found their stride in Honolulu, Hawai'i at the Big West Championships, hosted by the University of Hawai'i. Oceanfront running is nothing new for the Gauchos, with both squads rising in the conference standings while securing individual podium finishes on both the men's and women's sides – a milestone UCSB had not achieved in years. The men's team earned a fourth-place finish, while the women's side secured sixth in a competitive field.
For Zach Parker, the podium is starting to feel like home; The senior placed third individually in the men's 8k in a time of 24:23.5, marking his fourth top-three finish this season. Manny Correia, Conrad Voigt, Parker Herbert, Niall Monteleone, Nate Osbourn, and Will Muliken rounded out the scoring seven at the conference championships, all contributing to their 107 point fourth place team finish. With a strong collective effort, the men's squad was able to rise three places in rankings from the 2024 championships.
On the women's side, freshman Addie Oversmith held her own against a seasoned field, securing a sixth place overall finish in the 6k with a time of 21:28.9. Jordin Lieberman, Isabel Ross, Sierra Gill, Lexi Darley, Ryann Strawn, and Danielle Hollander additionally contributed to their squads sixth place team finish. With four of their seven scorers being freshmen, the women's squad rose two spots in the conference standings from last season, underscoring the promising foundation being built for years to come.
COMING UP
The NCAA West Regional serves as the final step toward qualifying for the NCAA Division I National Championships. Teams will compete to finish within the top two in the region for an automatic bid, while individuals and teams outside the top two can still earn at-large selections based on overall season performance. The National Championships will take place on Nov. 22 in Colombia, Missouri on the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
