After four solid weeks of training, the Bear Cubs took the drive up to Redding, CA to compete at the Northern California Championship Preview meet at Shasta College.  Continuing their good form, the women finished 3rd overall with a team score of 101, a single point behind second place De Anza College. 

Ana Palafox lead the Cubs through the first mile cruising at 6 minute pace.  The pack of Evelin Ramirez, Jackie Ramirez, and Marisa McGettingan followed closely behind with a first mile of 6:20.  Miranda Huntsinger and Dana Johnson were also not far behind at 6:30 and 6:35 first mile respectively.  As the race continued Palafox improved her position of the second mile from 8th place to 5th.  Heading into the last mile the SRJC looked to be in 4th place behind Hartnell, De Anza, and Sierra. The last mile consisted of two half-mile loops each containing roller coaster style hills.  The Bear Cubs made some big moves over this last half mile.  Palafox moved into the 4th place position and held that placement through the final half mile. Finishing with a time of 18:16 (5:52 per mile). The pack of Ramirez, Ramirez and McGettingan moved further up the race to find solid positions in the top 32.

In the end all 6 Bear Cubs finished under 23 minutes for a 5k.  The top 5 were all under 22 minute.  This is an average of 7:01 per mile for Huntsinger who was our fifth place runner.  This was good enough for 3rd place over all.

The Bear Cubs next will the Pat Ryan invitational at Spring Lake Park, in Santa Rosa, on October 13th. 

Dyestat interview with Ana Palafox:  http://www.dyestat.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=videos&video_id=253740