Hartnell runner Diego Leon takes first
FRESNO >> Hartnell College sophomore Diego Leon took first place in the Fresno Invitational at Woodward Park, finishing the 4-mile course in 20:30 to edge Rodrigo Ornelas of College of the Canyons by two seconds.
The time was the second-best in Hartnell history behind former state champion Daniel Tapia's 20:05 set in 2009. Justin Carrancho had a breakout race for Hartnell, placing eighth overall in 20:59. The Panthers placed fifth overall and second among the Northern California teams, only behind defending state champion American River College.
Sophomore Brandi Hobson led the Hartnell women's team, placing 10th overall in 19:19. Malena Grover, a Salinas High alumna, finished 18th in 19:42.
The Panthers travel to Cuesta College on Friday to compete in the Tour de Cuesta on the Fairbanks Cross Country Course in San Luis Obispo.