NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONS

For the fourth time in program history the womens cross country team won the northern california championships. Led by fifth place finisher Ellie Herrera, the ladies knocked off top seeded Deanza 74-79. Also playing a huge role in the teams first place finish were Jazmin Suarez, Priscilla Meza, Myra Garcia, Emilse Tapia, and Stephanie Castro. For doing an outstanding job in leading the lady panthers to a championship, Coach Chris Zepeda was awarded the Northern California womens Coach of the Year. Outstanding Job to our Womens Cross Country team.
Sophomore Daniel Tapia is just one race away from becoming the greatest distance runner ever at Hartnell College. Already a two time Coast Conference champion in cross country, double state champion in track at 5,000 and 10,000 meters, school record holder in the same events, last year's Norcal cross country champion, and state runner-up in 2008. Tapia came one step closer by winning his second Northern California title. Tapia broke a 13 year old school record at Crystal Springs held by Steve Moreno. Tapia's time was 20:49. The mens team finished 8th. Great efforts were recorded by Rigo Vasquez, Alejandro Alcaraz, Robert Anderson, and Eric Yepez. Great job mens and womens cross country and good luck at the State Championships.