Lions Prepare For Coast Finals

The De Anza College cross country teams are entering the championship season of its 2024 schedule.

The men's team was ranked No. 4 in Northern California by the 5CTCA, back on Oct. 8, while the women's team was ranked No. 6.

The De Anza women placed first at the Pat Ryan Invitational (Oct. 18) in Santa Rosa.

Sophomores Joselin Joya Camacho (3rd, 19:51.0) and Mackenzie MacDonald (4th, 20:06.9) were followed by freshman Corinne Thelen (5th, 20:23.3).

For her performance, Thelen was selected 5CTCA Runner of the Week - joining Joya Camacho and MacDonald as previous honorees.

Other DA freshmen – Maria Chavez (14th, 23:47.6), Siena Pignataro (17th, 24:07.9) and Karen Luna, (19th, 24:32.2) – placed in the Top 20 in the field of 35.

The men are coming off a solid 4-mile event.

Sophomore Diego Ochoa-Mendez (21:42.5) was the top Lion finisher, placing third overall.

He was followed closely by sophomore teammates James Estrella (5th, 21:46.8), Jack Park (6th, 21:48.6), and Luis Folkers (7th, 21:50.1).

Freshman Gio Lancellotti (9th, 21:58.8), and sophomores Boden Sirey (11th, 22:32.3) and Koyo Kai (13th, 22:50.0) outpaced the majority of the 56-entry field.

Interim head coach Sean Gwi said he is proud of the consistency and growth of both squads. 

"This group is really committed to improving each day and preparing for this final stretch run," he said.

"Our coaches appreciate the daily effort and we are pushing to send our sophomores off in great fashion."

The Lions will participate in the Coast Championships on Wednesday, Oct. 30 in Belmont. 

The NorCal Championships are scheduled for Nov. 8 (Salinas) and the 3C2A Championships will be Nov. 23 (Fresno).