Sacramento Valley League cross country runners convened at the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area Nov. 2 for the championship meet, and when the dust had settled the Colusa varsity boys and the Pierce varsity girls claimed team titles.
Determined by a cumulative point system, the RedHawk boys won every SVL contest this season, while the Pierce girls took advantage of some early wins to hold off the late-charging Colusa girls.
Also at stake at the meet were the All-League positions that are earned by the top 10 finishers in the two varsity races.
Five RedHawk boys merited All-League recognition led by senior Kevin Sarabia (18:20), who finished second to Live Oak’s Stephen Chapdelaine (17:56) on the 3.1 mile course.
Following Sarabia was a group of sophomores including Cesar Cruz (19:18) in fourth, Jose Ceron (19:20) in fifth, Benji Granados (19:38) in sixth, and William England (20:22) in ninth.
Pierce freshman Jamison Porter (20:39) rounded out the All-League performers finishing tenth.
Four county varsity girls runners garnered All-League honors, starting with race winner, Colusa freshman Rajdeep Shoker (23:39).
Two of Shoker’s teammates, freshman Shaheen Orr (25:48) and sophomore Josslyn Garcia (26:52), crossed the line in fifth and seventh place, respectively, while Pierce senior Yasmin Szmurlo (27:16) was eighth.
As it has all season, Colusa’s JV boys team dominated the field capturing the top six spots in the two mile race.
Luis Flores (11:55) turned in the top time and was followed in succession by fellow RedHawks Rafa Avila (12:20), Karim Cruz (12:29), Trenton Griffith (12:55), Edwin Fierros (13:06), and Bryan Hernandez (13:21).
A pair of Pierce Bears in Karina Grajedra (14:47) and Carla Moreno (16:14) finished first and second in the JV girls contest, while Colusa’s Olivia Stever (17:37) and Makinzie Frank (19:14) were third and fourth, respectively.
Both the RedHawks and Bears will be at West Valley High School in Cottonwood at the Northern Section CIF Championships, where top finishers can qualify for the state meet, which will be held in Fresno on Nov. 26. ■
