The Ventura College women's cross country team realized their season's goal by qualifying for the 2014 California Community College State Championships at the Southern California Regional Finals at Woodley Park in Van Nuys Friday. The Pirate women placed 14th of 27 teams, and will compete on Saturday Nov. 22 at Woodward Park in Fresno in the cross country season finale.
Under oppressively hot conditions, Megan Kearney lead the Pirates placing 45th overall (19.57), and was followed to the finish by Maria Villalobos (62nd – 20.13), Amanda Gomez (77th – 20.34), Jordyn Vassaur (105th – 21.12), Brigitte Kiesewetter (107th – 21.19), Brittany Gonzalez (108th – 21.22), and Alexi Tolosa (109th – 21.22).
The VC men were not as fortunate, even after receiving a last minute at-large berth. They placed 25th of 28 teams, as 18 teams from the men's race move on to the state meet. Freshman Brett Bogdanski finish in the No. 1 spot for the first time this season (105th – 22.17), and led Anthony Rivas (106th – 22.17), Sam Boyle (139th – 22.56), Jaime Luna (153rd – 23.13), Alexis Miron (166th – 23.47), Paul Gonzalez (175th – 24.12), and Thomas Garcia (190th – 26.36) to the finish.
"I couldn't be more proud of both squads," commented head coach Tony Veney. "The young men pushed the envelope as hard as they could but next season returns some promise.
"I told the young women before their race I was not going to cancel our Fresno room reservations and they made sure I wouldn't have to."