Cross country has eyes set on NWAACCs
Freshman Brandon Raleigh strides to the finish line in the Southern region championships.
When all six rivals gathered for the 2013 NWAAC Southern Region Championship meet on Oct. 26, the MHCC women’s and men’s cross country runners showed they could compete with anyone.
The Saints ran on the Clackamas Community College course, familiar ground after they raced in the Mike Hodges Invitational on the same layout two weeks before.
“It is always helpful to understand the course and the unique characteristics each course offers,” said Matt Hart, Saints head coach.
In the 5k women’s event, the Saints tied for second with Treasure Valley with 83 total points. It was a striking result since Mt. Hood had struggled all season to grab any top spots.
Freshman Haley McDonald finished with a time of 20:06, her second-best time of the year, only 17 seconds behind her time for the Oak Knoll Loop Run in late September.
But, fellow freshman Emily Trosino stole the show, placing second overall with a season-best time of 19:13.
“Emily is loaded with talent and is eager to improve every day,” Hart said. “Her training and communication is very strong and she is a delight to have on our women’s team.”
The men’s results in the 8k contest were more predictable.
Once again, freshman Brandon Raleigh led the Saints, finishing 12th with a time of 26:51. He wasn’t satisfied, but said he felt better than he has while fighting injury in recent weeks.
“I think I should have been a little farther up,” Raleigh said. “I tried to hold on for as long as possible, but I kind of fell back a little bit. I am never satisfied, but I do feel like I should have gotten fifth place or around there.”
Right behind came MHCC freshman Taylor Hybl, with a time of 27:09. Auston Burns finished third for the Saints, at 27:27.
The three men helped Mt. Hood finish in fourth place, with an average time of 27:26.
Next up for the Saints are the season-ending NWAACC Championships on Nov. 9, to be staged at Battle Ground, Wash.
It’s the last chance this season for all runners to give all they’ve got, and they know it.
“It’s my last race, it’s my last opportunity. Can’t regret anything,” said Raleigh.
The women’s cross country team takes a picture with Treasue Valley’s cross country team. Both teams tied for second place in the Southern region championships on Oct. 26
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