SAN FRANCISCO — Santa Clara cross country opened up its 2016 season Saturday by competing in the USF Invitational Saturday morning in Golden Gate Park's Hellman Hollow Meadow. The Bronco men and women each finished in sixth place.
Santa Clara's top runners were Ryan Greenough (34th place in the men's 8k — 25:32.8) and Julia Wood (39th place in the women's 6k — 22:57.9).
MEN
Noah Westfall (42nd place), Andrew Melendez (44th), Wilder Boyden (48th) and Jefferey Stalun (59th) rounded out Santa Clara's Top 5 alongside Greenough. Santa Clara's top newcomers produced solid first outings as unattached runners — Xander Olivero (36th), Brennan Lagerstrom (39th) and Jack Davidson (40th) each finished in the Top 40.
"I thought the men's team had our best start to the season in a really long time today," head coach Felipe Montoro said. "We accomplished every objective well. I was really pleased with our returners who competed today, Ryan Greenough, Noah Westfall and Andrew Melendez executed their race plan really well."
"It is always exciting to start a new season, and this year I was really looking forward to seeing how our freshmen would do," head coach Felipe Montoro said. "They did not disappoint, and we will definitely be running Xander Olivero, Jack Davidson and Ben Davidson in uniform the rest of the season, they did great.
WOMEN
Heather LaPlante (40th place), Bevin McCullough (44th place), Allison Martinez (47th place) and newcomer Noelani Obermeyer (50th place) all scored for the Broncos. Santa edged fellow Division I programs Cal State Northridge and Pacific.
"We wanted to really work on running in a pack, and I thought the women did a really good job of working together," Montoro said. "We have a good idea of where we are now, and what we need to be working on heading in to our next race. I thought Noe Obermeyer really stood out for the newcomers on the women's side, and Allison Martinez had a good day as well.
UP NEXT
The Broncos head to the Marin Headlands for their preseason training camp Sept. 8-10. The team will stay near Rodeo Beach and work out in the surrounding area, including runs on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Santa Clara returns to Golden Gate Park for the Speedway Duals Sept. 15.
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