SBVC Places Third At State

The San Bernardino Valley College men's cross country team was hoping to climb back on the podium after a fifth-place finish at last year's California Community College state cross country meet. But a pileup that involved a number of runners in the opening minute Saturday proved costly and the Wolverines settled for third at Woodward Park in Fresno.

American River won for the third consecutive year with 72 points. Orange Coast was runner-up (93) with the Wolverines third (122). Mt. SAC and Riverside were seventh and 14th, respectively.

Individual honors went to Luis Luna of American River, who ran the four-mile course in 19:58.21.

San Bernardino Valley, which won titles from 2006-2010 and was second in 2011, was led by freshman Oscar Caro in ninth (20:29.28) and sophomore Cesar Berumen in 30th (21:08.36). Rounding out the the Wolverines' top five were Doug Palmer (33rd in 21:10.11) and Francisco Gomez (36th in 21:12.31).

The race was not without controversy. About 100 yards into the race at a spot where the course narrows, one runner tripped and a chain reaction resulted in a pileup involving as many as 25 athletes, according to San Bernardino Valley College coach Jim Ratigan. Six of his seven runners were involved in the incident.

"That really affected us," Ratigan said. "I was really surprised they didn't restart the race since it was so early. It's a championship race and you had guys training so hard for this.

"It's really a shame."

Among the victims was Berumen. By the time he got up he was last in the field of 203 runners. Ratigan was impressed his runner got up and was able to work his way back into the race.

The Wolverines' finish also came without top runner Omar Caro, Oscar's brother, finishing the race. He was in the initial pileup but ended up running with the lead pack. He took a hard second fall and dropped out of the race. 

"I was surprised when they posted results we were third," Ratigan said. "Without Omar I thought it would be fifth or sixth."

For the first time in school history San Bernardino Valley also qualified a women's team. The Wolverines finished 12th (329) and were led by the 23rd-place showing of sophomore Jazmin Romero (19:09.98).

Orange Coast won the women's team title (73) with Mt. SAC third (180). Individual honors went to East Los Angeles freshman Laura Aceves (17:42.08).