Hartnell Cross Country

Nothing like a little drama before a state championship to get the juices flowing.
Top ranked Mt. Sac was ruled out of the state cross country meet because of an unknown violation until late Wednesday night when it won an appeal to be reinstated.
 As a result, the southern California powers will go into Saturday's state finals at Woodward Park in Fresno as the men's favorites.
 And that's fine with Northern California champion Hartnell, who doesn't want any asterisk next to its potential achievements this weekend.
 The Panthers are at full strength with the return of Patrick Olson, who was the teams No. 1 runner earlier this season before getting hurt.
 Olson provides a deep Hartnell group even more depth in its attempt to take down Mt. Sac. Hartnell had six runners in the top 20 at the Nor Cal finals, including champion Ricky Esqueda.
 Sergio Coronel and Christian Aldape are hitting their stride at the right time for the Panthers, dipping under 21 minutes two weeks ago over a four mile course.
 The Panthers women's team will go into the finals ranked No. 3 after finishing second to Sequoias at the Nor Cal finals.
 Coast Conference champion Arlene Diaz Leal is among the elite in the state. Yet, it's been Hartnell's pack mentality that has carried them to a state ranking.
 Maria Aceves, Lauryn Orozco, Monica Ruelas and Olivia Jimenez joined Diaz Leal two weeks ago in dipping under 19 minutes on a 3.01 mile course.
 MPC is sending two runners to the state meet as former King City High standout Roman Munoz is coming off a fourth place finish at Nor Cal's, while Jeanette Cruz is returning to the state finals.