PCAC returns plenty of stars

PCAC returns plenty of stars

The Pacific Coast Athletic Conference returns a number of stars as the cross country season kicks up next weekend.  Returning conference champion Carlos De La Torre leads a talented San Bernardino Valley squad that hopes to contend for a state title.

De La Torre earned All-America status last fall when he finished eighth at the California Community College Athletic Association State Finals in Fresno, leading his team to a 4th place finish.  He was also the conference champion at the PCAC Finals when he cruised to a 10-second win in Oceanside. 

De La Torre won't be alone at SBVC as the Wolverines also return Michael Ramirez, who finished 8th at the PCAC Finals and 32nd in the state in Fresno last fall.  SBVC also returns Mauricio Ramos, who finished 9th last year at the PCAC Finals.

Cuyamaca finished second at the PCAC Finals last season and 17th in the state.  The Coyotes return their top freshman from 2017 in Harold Thomas Jr.  The sophomore finished 6th at the PCAC Finals last season before finishing 114th at the state finals.  The Coyotes also return John Lockman to the lineup after finishing 32nd at the PCAC Finals last fall.

Some of the other top runners in the conference expected to return include Andres Zamudio (San Diego City), Chris Allen (Palomar), Jose Garcia (San Diego Mesa), Oswaldo Felix (Southwestern) and David Hernandez (Desert). 

The season opens up for some next Saturday at the Redlands Invitational, to be followed by the Palomar Invitational on September 7.