The Ventura Cross-Country Invitational proved to be no problem for returning cross-country and track stars David Cardona and Jose Lezama, both sophomores.
The pair of runners braved the difficult course filled with bumps and hills to first and second. Cardona finished at 21:20 and Lezama finished at 21:42.
On Saturday, the men’s and women’s cross-country teams will travel to the UC Irvine Invitational.
“We expect the same level of competition this week and are hoping to fare well,” Lofgren said.
New comers Alex Villaescusa who finished at 23:38 and Justin Caracoza who finished at 23:42 and placed 20th and 21st helped to lead the runners to a second place finish against 150 runners, with L.A. Trade Tech placing first.
The women finished with freshman Andrea Webber on top coming in at 31st at 24:31 and returning sophomore Naomi Altamirano, a previous state qualifier, in 38th at 25:05. Milchu Perez, freshman transfer, finished at 27:52 to place 65th.
“The men’s group is very solid right now coming off of a great year. The women’s group is a little thin, but we’re getting better by the day,” Dean Lofgren, coach, said.
Even with the powerhouse of Cardona and Lezama, there are no certainties of victory.
“At our level we don’t know who we’ll be facing out there since the guys and women are only here for two years,” Lofgren said. “You can have the best team in the state with all freshman and we won’t know until we run against them.”
Both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams have been training over the summer to improve their mileage and consistency.
“We always set high goals for ourselves, and this season will be no exception,” Lofgren said. “We’re aiming for a top three trophy spot and if we have the opportunity to place ourselves in a higher position, believe me we will do everything in our power to take advantage of it.”
Both cross-country teams have a long season ahead and though the men’s team is ahead of the women’s, their competitive natures may be the push both teams need.
“I’m very competitive with everything I do. Everything will always be 100 percent, never anything less,” Lezama said.