Unforgettable Moments in Santa Monica College Cross Country

Weather Conditions and Race Start

The day began with rainy weather, but fortunately, it cleared up just in time for the start of the race. However, the four-mile route was altered due to the muddy conditions, presenting a unique challenge for the runners. This unexpected change added an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty to the event.

Despite the weather and the altered course, the team was ready to give their best. They had trained hard and were eager to showcase their skills on the state championship stage.

Injury and Last-Minute Replacement

Less than an hour before the start of the race, Corsairs' runner Levy Dawson unfortunately injured his calf. This setback was a major blow to the team, as Dawson was originally the fourth runner and his absence would affect the overall team score.

However, another Corsair runner, Ryder Dragsbeit, stepped up and competed in his place. Despite the short notice and the added pressure, Dragsbeit showed great determination and courage. His performance was a testament to the team's spirit and unity.

Surprising Individual Performances

Corsairs' runner Colin McCormick truly surprised his team with an outstanding 13th place finish. In an interview, McCormick shared his thoughts, saying, "I kind of accidentally went out way too hard. I was just thinking, this is my last race, you know, I'm just gonna go for it. So I did that. Somehow, I got 13th place." His determination and courage paid off, making him a standout performer on the team.

Other runners also had impressive performances. Alberto Bravo finished 71st with a time of 22:23.5, Jairo Zamora came in 142nd with a time of 23:26.3, Shuangheng Li placed 175th with a time of 24:31.7, Diego Reyes was 178th with a time of 24:38.1, and Vincent Singer finished 183rd with a time of 24:54.9. These individual performances added to the team's overall success.

Coach's Perspective

Head coach Eric Barron was proud of his team's performance. He said, "They were smart. They went through the first mile well-paced. They felt strong and they looked strong and it was a great way to wrap up the season." His words reflected the team's hard work and dedication throughout the season.

The team's overall time of 1:56:13 and an average time of 23:14 per runner showed their consistency and determination. Despite the challenges they faced, they fought hard and achieved great results.