Hartnell's Ramirez and Johnston Lead former CA runners at NCAA DII Nationals

Former Hartnell College runners Michael Ramirez (Salinas HS) and Amy Johnston (Notre Dame HS-Salinas) were the highest placing former CCCAA runners at the NCAA Division II National Championship this past weekend at Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Ramirez earned All-American honors for his 30th place finish in the 10k race for University of Alaska Anchorage. UAA placed sixth as a team. Ramirez lead two other former CCCAA men from other schools in former Cuesta College runner Tyler Gates (Western State Univeristy-Colorado) in 61st-31:53 and San Bernadino Valley CC runner Francisco Gomez (Cal Poly Pomona) at 32:21 in 91st place. Gates helped Western State place 5th as a team and Gomez assisting CPP with a 16th place team showing.

Johnston, who placed 49th at last year's DII championship while running for Metro State (CO), moved up to 17th in 21:39 to earn All-American honors. The Seawolves of University of Alaska Anchorage would place eighth overall as a result of her efforts. Another former Hartnell College standout Victoria Alcala was the next highest placing former CCCAA runner in 91st for Metro State University.  Along with other former CCCAA runners Evonna Ramirez (Saddleback JC), Lauren Silacci (Cuesta JC), and Karina Sanchez (Cerritos JC), they combined for a 23rd place team finish. Miriam Jimenez (Mt. SAC) was a member of fourth place team Adams State.Bailey Henshaw (Sequoias) was a member of the 13th place squad from Chico State. Paige Hughes (Cuyamaca) placed 134th for UC San Diego which placed 21st as a team.