Runners gain experience at SF State Invite

By Nick PalmStaff Writer

The Rams performed well at the San Francisco State Cross Country Invitational on Oct. 9, even though they were the only non-NCAA Division I or II school and the only community college participating.

The race was a preview of the NCAA Division II Western Regionals, which City College won’t be participating in. It gave the Rams a taste of the challenge they might face if they transfer to a four-year school.

“The idea of these meets is to get the team used to the competition they will face when they transfer, and also to not be intimidated when they face other community colleges,” head coach Marc Dyer said.

Out of 118 runners in the men’s eight-kilometer race, City College sophomore Mark Frazier came in 27th with a time of 26:26.7. His brother Luke finished only four seconds behind him to capture 30th place.

“Considering the two hard workouts we had this week, I finished at a personal record, so I feel pretty good,” Mark Frazier said.

“Everybody ran really well today. We’ve done some tough training this week, and the team isn’t that well-rested. Overall, I’m really proud of them,” Dyer said. “As a team, we beat out S.F. State at their own tournament, so that says something.”

After facing mostly NCAA Division I and II schools, the Rams will take their experience from the tournament and use it in the upcoming Coast Conference meet at Crystal Springs on Oct. 28.