COS Women Win Team Title, Men Finish Strong Second at MJC Invitational

The College of the Sequoias cross country teams had a strong showing at the 2024 Modesto Junior College Invitational on September 27 at Legion Park in Modesto, CA. The women's team took home first place with a team score of 35, while the men's team secured second with a score of 49. 

In the women's 5K race, Dana Ruiz (Tulare Union HS) led the Sequoias, finishing 3rd overall with a time of 19:51.40. Close behind were teammates Elizabeth Urquilla (Farmersville HS), who placed 5th with a time of 20:45.40, Diana Ruiz (Tulare Union HS), who placed 7th with a time of 21:01.90, and Arianna Ramirez (Chowchilla HS), who placed 9th with at time of 21:44.90. Xitlallic Fieros (El Diamante HS) rounded out the team's top five, placing 11th in 21:58.60. This strong team effort secured the Giants first place in the women's team standings. 

On the men's side, Julian Valdivia (Tulare Western HS) was the top finisher for the Giants, placing 3rd in the 4-mile race with a time of 21:19.10. Levi Wagner (Mt Whitney HS) followed closely in 5th place, clocking 21:22.60. Cristiano Cabrera (Redwood HS), who placed 10th with a time of 22:16.90, Joseph Toledo (Monache HS), who placed 15th with a time of 23:05.90, and Marcos Malta (Riverdale HS), who placed 16th with a time of 23:16.90 also contributed to the team's second-place finish behind De Anza. 

The Giants will look to build on this success as they continue their season. They will travel to Toro Park in Salinas, CA for the NorCal Cross Country Preview on Friday, October 4.