American River College’s reign as Northern California men’s cross country champions is over.
Hartnell ended the Sacramento-based college’s six year run as team champion Friday, capturing its first Northern California team title since 2006.
The Panthers got the attention of their peers, placing their top five in the top 14 Friday, using a one-two finish from Jorge Sanchez and Edgar Bonilla to secure a 31-90 win over runner-up Las Positas, with American River finishing third with 91 points.
"Today was a two-year effort,’’ Hartnell coach Chris Zepeda said. "But it started with a vision when these seven all decided to come to Hartnell College."
Hartnell, who came into the meet ranked No. 2 in Northern California and No. 6 in the state, will set its sites on bringing home the programs first ever men’s state cross country title.
"We knew we needed to beat perennial power American River as a stepping stone to a state title run,’’ Zepeda said. "Even with this win, the guys know they have an even better effort in themselves.’’
The state championships will be Nov. 19 at Woodward Park in Fresno.
"They could be one of the biggest surprises at the state championships,’’ Zepeda said. "They love being the underdog and can’t wait to represent Hartnell and their hometowns."
Hartnell will be chasing San Bernardino Valley and Mt. San Antonio College for team honors.
"It’s going to be fun,’’ Zepeda said.
Sanchez and Bonilla ran virtually together the entire race, crossing the finish line within two one-hundreths of a second of each other.
"Basically they ran across together,’’ Zepeda said. "But they had to give the title to someone, so Sanchez is declared the winner."
Sanchez, and Alvarez High alum, was timed in 21:25.2 over the four-mile course while Bonilla, a former King City High distance ace, and No. 9 finisher in the state meet last year for Hartnell, was clocked in 21:25.4.
Following the pair for the Panthers was Mario Perez, who placed fifth in 22:00.6. Soledad graduate Andrew Martinez was ninth in 22:15.7 while Williams Ordaz ran arguably his best race of the year in finishing 14th in 22:26.6. Oscar Mora was 24th and Angel Mejia 26th.
While Hartnell didn’t repeat the feat in defending its Northern California women’s team title, it is still headed to the state championships after finishing third behind team champion Sequoias and runner-up De Anza.
Sophomore Yvette Felix, who has dropped over a minute off her mark from last season, finished fourth overall for the Panthers, covering the 5K race in 18:50.3. The Anzar product was not even in Hartnell’s top seven last year.
Teammate Beatriz Duarte was ninth for the Panthers, followed by Yvette Tavarez, Lisette Carretero, Tanya Campos, Jocelyn Cervantes and Alyssa Sanchez.
Monterey Peninsula College will be sending two individuals to the state championships after King City grad Jeanette Cruz finished 16th and Mady Houseman 24th.
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