5CTCA selects Runners of the Week after outstanding performances throughout the state

SALINAS - The 5CTCA congratulates the Runners of the Week for September 4-10. Dana Ruiz, College of the Sequoias, Antoine Moret, DeAnza College, Aarianna Amezcua, Mt. SAC, and Ernesto Ruiz, Riverside City College, were selected for their recent outstanding performances.

The Oxnard Invitational last Friday featured the North and South female selections. Aarianna Amezcua, a freshman at Mt.SAC, has emerged as the Mounties' leader this fall. She won a close battle in 18:59 over the 5k layout. She helped Mt.SAC to the team title with her overall victory.

Dana Ruiz of the College of the Sequoias, was the top Northern California finisher at Oxnard. She was ninth overall in 19:43. Ruiz was just one second behind recent fifth-place State Preview Meet finisher Megan Feitz of Cerritos College. Ruiz appears ready to contend for a top Norcal regional spot for the Giants.

Running under the lights and at night over 8km at the Kim Duyst Invitational, Antoine Moret of DeAnza College, produced the fastest 8km time for the North so far this season. Moret ran 24:56 to place fourth overall. Moret was 53rd at last year's state but could contend for All-American honors this fall for the Mountain Lions.

Ernesto Ruiz of Riverside City College surprised a field of four-year runners at the Coyote Challenge winning in 25:14 over the 8km course at CSU San Bernardino. Ruiz finished 20 seconds ahead of second place and helped the Tigers upset the State Meet Preview second-place team, San Bernadino Valley College. 

(Chris Zepeda, 5CTCA)