Santa Clara Bronco Invitational - October 17, 2009

The Hartnell cross country teams competed for the first time at the Santa Clara University Bronco Invitational held at Baylands Regional Park in Sunnyvale. Traditionally a four year university/college meet, the Bronco Invitational has slowly been gaining popularity with community college programs with Hartnell in attendance this year to take advantage of the strong competition

The men tackled an unfamiliar distance of 8k, approximately 5 miles, over the trails at Baylands Park. Sophomore Daniel Tapia was the only Panther allowed to compete in the highly competitve invitational 8k run. Tapia made the most of the experience placing a respectable ninth overall in 24:48 just 16 seconds from the win. Much of the race Tapia ran amongst the lead pack. The invitational race featured teams from not only California but from Idaho, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

The remaining Panthers toed the line in the Open 8k run. Hartnell's own Jesus Cabrera lead most of the race before being relegated to solid third place finish. Cabrera stopped the clock at 26:33. Rigo Vasquez (27:15), Alejandro Alcaraz (28:04), Robert Anderson (29:02), and Eric Yepez (29:44) completed the scoring team for Hartnell which tied for the win with Sacremento City College.

The Hartnell teams will enjoy a much needed bye week as they prep for the 2009 Coast Conference Championships on Wednesday, October 28th at Crystal Springs in Belmont.