Manny Bautista Cross Country Invitational: A showcase of growth and rising talent
SAN DIEGO - The annual Manny Bautista Cross Country Invitational, established in 2021 to honor former Mesa College coach Manny Bautista's contributions to track and field and cross country, has experienced remarkable growth. Now in its fourth year, the event has evolved into a premier community college competition in California. The invitational has seen participation skyrocket from 18 teams in its inaugural year to over 350 individual entries in 2024, necessitating the addition of an overflow race to accommodate the surge.
The women’s team dominated the 5k, securing a first-place victory with a total time of 1:37.52, a full 40 points ahead of second-place Mt. San Antonio College (1:41.22). Central Arizona rounded out the top three with a time of 1:41.43.
Alexis Noble continues to run well with an impressive second-place finish (18:55.6), just behind unattached runner Lily Seiberlich (18:54.9). Teammates Joelle Tonne placed sixth (19:14.5), while Kate Touchet and Suhey Arce finished consecutively with times of 19:49.0 and 19:49.2, respectively. (Complete results available here.)
In the men's 4-mile run, the eighth-ranked NJCAA Division I team, Central Arizona, claimed victory with a time of 1:42.51. Mt. San Antonio College secured second place (1:44.22), followed closely by San Diego Mesa College (1:44.14). The Mesa coaching staff was pleased with the men's team's aggressive approach in the tightly contested race.
(Complete results available here.)
The men's race featured solid performances, including a new course record set by former SD Mesa runner Jyden Schmid with a time of 19:57, breaking the previous record held by Matthew Donis of Mt. San Antonio College. Following Schmid were John Gutierrez of Allan Hancock College (20:08.4) and Samuel Gilson (20:14.5). The Olympians' Ronald Way secured a strong fourth-place finish (20:18.3), and Alex Leroy placed eleventh (20:43.4).
Both the men's and women's teams delivered strong performances, providing valuable data for the coaching staff as they fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming championship season. Head coach Sean Ricketts expressed thanks to the coaching staff and athletes for their dedication and hard work in organizing and competing in such a high-quality event.
With the championship season in full swing, both teams have a busy schedule ahead. Upcoming competitions include the Mt. San Antonio College Cross Country Invitational on October 18th, the Linfield George Fox Cross Country Invitational in Independence, Oregon, the conference championships at Victor Valley College on October 25th, the SoCal Championships on November 8th at Chaffey College, and culminating in the 3C2A State Championships on November 23rd at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Direct Athletics Results
Women's 4 Mile Results PDF
Men's 4 Mile Results PDF
Men's Overflow Race Results PDF
Women's 4 Mile Back Up Camera Finish Video
Men's 4 Mile Back Up Camera Finish Video
Men's Overflow Back Up Camera Finish Video
Top Finishers Pictures
(San Diego Mesa College Athletics)