Dark clouds, lightening and thunderstorms filled the sky last Saturday morning, but that did not stop the men’s cross-country runners from leading in the University Division Race at UC Irvine Invitational.

Even with uncontrollable weather, the  cross-country men prepared themselves and remained focused as they competed against many of the top southern California four-year universities.

“This is actually perfect weather for the runners. Right when they’re done racing, the wind will cool them off and they will be ready for the next race.  But these guys are so determined, they will run in snow and be perfectly fine,” Sean Sheil, coach, said.

Determined was only one word to describe sophomore runners David Rosales and Drew Griffie, who finished in the top five last week.

Rosales and Griffie kept a steady pace in front throughout the race before running into a couple of setbacks that caused them to fall behind.

“David Rosales and Drew Griffie were running well up near the front pack before suffering cramps and dropping back,” Dean Lofgren, coach, said.

Even after suffering cramps, Rosales and Griffie were not going to let their team down and both runners kept a steady pace all the way to the finish line.

In contrast, Anthony Lewis and Alex Villaescusa, both top returning runners from last year improved their overall 2010 score.

“Top returner Anthony Lewis improved 25 seconds over his 2010 time in 23rd place 26:47,” Lofgren said. “Right behind was Alex Villaescusa in 26th place with 26:52, a 37 second improvement from 2010.”

As the race came to an end, the men used their last bit of energy to get in front of their opponent leaving the men to finish in sixth place.

The  men finished sixth in the second of two men’s races with 140 points behind winner Cal Baptist’s 33 and just behind fifth place USC with their 125 in the 10-team field, Lofgren said.

On the other hand for the cross-country women, only two runners were chosen to compete in this race just to gain some experience.

“There was intermittent thunder and lightning as the races were about to begin,” Lofgren said.

Lauren Brown placed 120th in 23:44 along with Chloe Stager who placed 124th in 24:04; both are incoming freshmen this year.

The Warriors’ next race will take place at Fairview Park for the Orange Coast Invitational.

The women will compete in a 5,000 yard race at 9:30 a.m. with the men’s 4-mile race at 10:15 a.m.

“Running is not only a race but it is a sport I enjoy doing,” Stager said.  “It’s good motivation.”