April 29, 2001

Bronco Express
The most comprehensive coverage of Santa Clara University Cross Country

Chico Invite
The Broncos rebounded from their showing in Long Beach and brought home some victories and PR's from Chico. Mike Helms was one of the highlights as he earned a victory in the 1500 meters. Mike took his second 1500 victory and second sub 4 effort of the season. In dramatic fashion, three other Broncos battled to also bring back a win in the second heat of the 1500. In the 5000, four of the Broncos equaled or improved their PR's. Dominic Ricci led the group of five. Dominic was running in his hometown in front of family and friends. Chico has been kind to Dominic as he broke his PR that he set last season on the same track.

Mike Helms led the Broncos to an impressive display in the 1500 meters. The Mission Harriers won both heats of the 1500. Mike Helms was led out in the first heat by unknown rabbits. The 800 meter mark had the second rabbit step off and unexpectedly put Mike in the lead. Mike pounced on the opportunity and pushed hard in the third 400 meters. Mike had a lead that looked vulnerable as the chase was on in the last lap. But it proved insurmountable as he maintained to a big PR and victory. The second heat saw Thomas Chapman lead the field from the gun. Ricky Brackett moved into second position behind Thomas who had gapped the field by 200 meters. Ben Gauen rounded out the Bronco contingent in the field who settled into the middle of the pack. Thomas continued to expand his lead. Ben moved up in the field and gradually cut the gap on Ricky. At 600 meters, Ben caught Ricky and moved slightly ahead into second place. At the bell lap, Thomas' lead suddenly was in jeopardy. Jose Acosta of Chico State sprinted around the turn, caught Thomas and headed into the lead with 250 meters left. The chase pack began overtaking the remaining Broncos. Ricky caught fire and began his chase of Acosta. When Ricky reeled in Thomas, Thomas held on to Ricky around the final turn. Ricky fought to get past his teammate, Thomas came off the turn and began pulling back Acosta. While Acosta tied up on the final straightaway, Thomas caught him with 10 meters left and narrowly won. Ricky held form to a PR and Ben Gauen came across with a PR also.

Dominic Ricci pushed out a fast pace in the 5000 with Chris Spicer hanging a few seconds back. Mike Richmond started well with Toby Lopez and Michael Neumann trading places each lap by design. Toby began pull away at 2500 meters and put a gap of ten seconds on Michael by 3500 meters. Michael stopped the gap from growing and came back in the last 600 meters to close within 7 seconds. Toby crossed the line with a PR after narrowly missing the 18 minute barrier in his two earlier attempts this season. Mike Richmond ran strongly over the last 2000 meters and improved 22 seconds from his race one week earlier. Dominic Ricci also showed a big improvement as he clocked 17 seconds faster. Dominic charged out and held his desired pace the rest of the way. Chris was within 5 seconds of Dominic from 2000 meters until the last 200 meters. As Dominic accelerated, Chris countered and closed quickly but ran out of time to catch Dominic. Chris' furious finish allowed him to equal his PR set one week earlier.

1500m Michael Helms, 3:56.01
Thomas Chapman, 4:05.97
Ricky Brackett, 4:07.57
Ben Gauen, 4:11.78

5000m
Dominic Ricci, 16:25
Chris Spicer, 16:27
Mike Richmond, 17:16.1
Toby Lopez, 17:54.6
Michael Neumann, 18:02