In order to qualify for the state championships as a team, the men’s cross country had to place in the top 10 at the Southern California Championships Nov. 7. But the Warriors finished 15th out of 35 schools.

However, Sal Bautista ran well enough to compete individually in the state championships in Fresno’s Woodward Park Saturday.

“Bautista was the first individual qualifier who was not on a qualifying team,” coach Dean Lofgren said.

Bautista finished 14th out of 275 runners with a time of 21:38. Second on the team and 54th overall with a time of 22:37, was Javier Figueroa; Emiliano Nash finished 108th in 23:40; Jesse Brosious came in 116th with a time of 23:51 and David Olivares was fifth man on the team, with a time of 24:10.

Many men achieved their personal records at Mt. SAC.

“Everybody did well,” Bautista said. ” Everyone ran his personal best.”

With the season over, the Warriors must wait until next year for another chance to compete in the state championships.

“I think we will have a great team next year,” Figeuora said. “We have lots of young guys who are going to return.”

The Warriors will look to rebound and improve next season, with only Bautista leaving.

“The addition of some new faces next year with our returnees should make us quite competitive,” Lofgren said.

Bautista will run against tough competition at Fresno, but he is up to the challenge.

“I am prepared already,” Bautista said. “I ran really hard last week. I want to be ready.”