Riverside, Calif. - The Pomona-Pitzer Men's Cross Country team finished 11th overall and first among Division III schools at the UC Riverside Invitational on Saturday morning.
The Sagehens had an average time of 25:35, as they displayed their depth once again with the top six finishers crossing the line within 17 seconds of each other.
"In our pre-race team meeting we set several concrete goals, said Head Coach Tony Boston. "Among these goals were to have 5 runners under 26 minutes; 10 runners under 27-minutes and to have our top 5 finishers in a tight pack across the finish line. On each account the men delivered in superb fashion."
Colin Flynn (Bellingham, Wash.) was the top individual finisher for Pomona-Pitzer with a time of 25:29, which placed him 51st overall in the competition, but plenty of his teammates were close behind. Senior Anders Crabo (Bellingham, Wash.) finished three seconds later at 25:32, while senior Paul Balmer (Portland, Ore.) crossed the line two seconds later at 25:34.
Junior Alex Johnson (Seattle, Wash.) was the fourth Sagehen to finish with a time of 25:37, and Benjamin Girodias (Cary, N.C.) was the fifth to score with a time of 25:43. Sophomore Alex Johann (Palo Alto, Calif.) also ran a strong race with a time of 25:46, and junior James Muller (Madison, Conn.) also performed well with a time of 26:18.
"Paul Balmer ran exceptionally well for the Sagehens," said Boston, "setting the pace for the team during the early stages of the race. His aggressive running style really helped to propel the rest of the team.
"Colin Flynn appears to be on his way to having one heck of a senior year of cross country. Colin returned from summer break in the best shape of his life and is now reaping the benefits of his summer mileage. He is now in the position to really dictate what is happening in the race. The 2-time conference champion in the 1500m has long been viewed as a middle distance specialist. So far this season, he is proving that his talents as a runner extend well beyond the 800m/1500m.
"Alex Johnson, the team's sole returning national qualifier, finished fourth for the Sagehens with a PR of 25:36 (26:00 on the course last year). Johnson is such a phenomenal distance runner. For him to finish fourth, speaks highly of the depth of talent on this year's squad."
RESULTS RACE 'A' RACE 'B'
The Sagehens will next be in action when they travel to the Stanford Invitational next weekend in Palo Alto.
Courtesy Pomona-Pitzer
Alex Johann
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
High School: Henry Gunn High School
College: Pomona College
Major: Undeclared
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