BAYLANDS PARK, SUNNYVALE

The Santa Clara Bronco Invitational is a proving ground for Cross Country runners. Teams come from far and wide for a chance at the race track-like course. Although the course is fast, coyotes have to step up to the challenge of an increased distance. The men race an 8 kilometer (4.97 miles) course, nearly 25% longer than their usual distance of 4 miles. Similarly the women's distance was 6 kilometers, 20% longer than their usual 5k

The gun goes off at 10:15am and the men take the course. Across a grass field, the pack quickly funnels into a hardpack-doubletrack dirt trail that will be the main surface for the rest of the race.

Sophomore Jacob Christopher led the Coyotes in a time of 26:07. 44th overall and 2nd CCCAA athlete to finish.

Closely behind was Sophomore Jackson Davis in a time of 26:39. A great effort averaging 5:21 per mile.

Freshman Joel Nord, battling illness and a tough race finishes in a time of 29:08. For a first foray into this distance Joel demonstrated great control and pacing.

Angel Robles finished in a time of 30:14. The sophomore has been on a rampage of improvement this season. This effort shaves 3 minutes off of his time on the same course last year.

The women took the course by storm. Two different approaches each yielded great results. Caitlin Fulbright got out hard for positioning, establishing a great spot in a group of strong women to work with. Niza Barton, looking to stay out of trouble on the sharp first turn, took a conservative approach to the start of the race, allowing her ample competition to work with and pass later in the race.

Both Caitlin and Niza came through the 3 mile in personal record times of 19:38 and 20:06 respectively. Staying strong all the way to the end, Caitlin finished in a time of 24:17 54th overall and 7th of the CCCAA athletes in the race. Niza Barton was not far behind, finishing in a time of 24:23 60th overall and 9th CCCAA athlete across the line.

The Coyotes return to their normal race distance November 2nd for the Golden Valley Conference Championship hosted by Shasta College.

Full Results: https://www.tfrrs.org/results/xc/24164/Santa_Clara_Bronco_Invitational_
Photo Credit to Todd Sports Photos and WestCoastXC
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