COC Sophomore Runner Named WSC Athlete of the Week

COC Sophomore Runner Named WSC Athlete of the Week
September 26, 2014

College of the Canyons sophomore runner Rodrigo Ornelas has been named the Western State Conference (WSC) Male Athlete of the Week based on his performance at the 2014 Southern California Preview at Woodley Park in Van Nuys on Sept. 19.

At the event, Ornelas bested more than 200 other runners by crossing the finish line in first place with a time of 20:11.4 — completing the four-mile race at a 5:03 mile pace.

Ornelas' performance helped the COC men's cross country team to a second place finish at the meet, as Canyons finished with a final score of 55 placing just two points behind Mt. SAC's mark of 53.

Ornelas, who came to COC via Saugus High School, has won a total of three races thus far this season.
He opened the season by winning the Ventura College Invitational held on Aug. 29, at Arroyo Verde Park and followed that effort with a victory at the Fresno Invite, held Sept. 6, at Woodward Park — leading Canyons to the team victory in both races.
Ornelas and the Cougars will be competing at the Golden West College Invite in Huntington Beach, Friday, Sept. 26.