MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif.— The Cal State San Marcos men's and women's cross country teams kicked off their 2013 seasons Wednesday morning, competing in a dual meet against fellow Southern California competitor Vanguard. Both universities spent the week in Mammoth Lakes to get some altitude training and bond as a team over scenic trails.
While neither team is looking to be at peak performance at this point in the season, it was a fun chance for each team to get their competitive juices flowing and test themselves against the 8,000 ft altitude.
The women ran a four-kilometer race, slightly shorter than the standard 5K race, while the men ran a six-kilometer race instead of eight.
The women swept Vanguard 15 to 55, claiming all of the top seven positions.
Heidi Swanson was the runaway winner, finishing in 15:22, with
Michelle Cruz coming in second with a time of 15:44. The next five CSUSM finishers rolled in together within a ten second span.
The Cougars rested several top runners on the men's side— including three-time returning All-American
Western Nelson— and were defeated 20 to 37.
Zach Laurenzana was the top finisher for CSUSM, placing second in 18:37.
Easton Tackett was the next best competitor for CSUSM, placing sixth in 19:39.
The Cougars will have a few more weeks of training before the heart of the season begins Saturday, September 7 at the Adidas UC Irvine Anteater Invitational.
CSUSM Women's Results (4K)
CSUSM Men's Results (6K)
