Canyons Cross Country Teams Finish in Top-3 at WSC Preview

Bakersfield, Calif. — College of the Canyons cross country head coach Lindie Kane liked the results she saw from her team on Friday, as the Cougars turned in their finest finish of the season at the Western State Conference (WSC) Preview meet hosted by Bakersfield College.

The women's team ran to a second place finish in the field of 11 schools, while the men's team placed a season-best third in a field of 12.

"Both teams ran great," said Kane. "Every week we keep competing, and championship season is right around the corner."

COC freshman Garrett Noltemeyer had the highest overall finish with his seventh place time of 21:30.09. He was joined by teammate Jake Higdon who raced to a time of 21:36.2 to finish 10th on the four-mile course.

Freshman Christopher Ochoa was 22nd at a mark of 22:19.3 and freshman Cody Roelofson was just a few ticks behind in 26th with a time of 22:25.5. Sophomore Mauricio La Plante was the fifth scoring member for Canyons with his time of 22:59.3, good for 40th.

The Cougars recorded 101 event points to trail second place Ventura College (95) and leader Glendale College (17).

The COC women's team (73) also finished behind event leader Glendale College (26), but was able to outpace third place Cuesta College (101). 

COC sophomore Jessica Ruiz finished in eighth place with a time of 19:12.7 to lead the way on the 5K course.

Freshman Stephanie Martinez turned in a time of 19:18.7 for a 10th place finish, while freshman Díani Ellis narrowly missed the top-10, with her 11th place time of 19:40.7. 

Sophomore Chelsea Wells finished 22nd at a pace of 20:29.8 and freshman Taylor Hernandez was 24th with her run at 20:45.9.

The Cougars will next compete at the San Bernardino Valley College Invite on Friday, Oct. 7.

—Jesse Munoz/COC Sports Information