Escobar Impresses at Fullerton Season Opener

Race Results 

(9/4/07 - Cross Country) BREA - Sophomore Alma Escobar captured 5th place overall with a time of 18:34.90 to lead four-time GSAC champion Concordia to a 5th place finish at the Cal State Fullerton Season Opener, Saturday morning at Carbon Canyon Park.

Escobar, who came to Concordia last season with impressive prep credentials, showed why head coach Martin Gonzalez was so excited to have her be part of the program. She shaved a full minute off of her time from this race a year ago and looks ready to help the team make good on its #2 preseason ranking.

The Eagles finished the race with 123 total points as they were just a strong fifth runner away from pushing for the overall lead. The hosts took top honors with 51 points while Cal State LA finished second with 78 points. GSAC-rivals Azusa Pacific (95) and Biola (111) placed 4th and 5th, respectively.

Jennifer Bowles placed 14th overall and was the second Eagle across the line with a time of 19:03.80, followed by Danielle Varela in 26th position with a mark of 19:14.80. Newcomer Linsie Michels was not far behind in 31st position and crossed the line in 19:25.90. The fifth scoring spot went to Ana Mendoza with a time of 20:37.50 for 71st position.

The two displaced runners for the Eagles came across the line in consecutive positions. Amy Lund just edged out teammate Paige McFerran by one second by finishing in 20:53.70 for 82nd overall. Also competing for the Eagles was Leah Hahn, who took 115th with a time of 22:35.90, and Cassidy Roupe, who finished in 124th with a time of 23:25.60.

"Overall we come back home feeling very proud and the opportunity to keep the tradition is alive," said Gonzalez. "I am excited to move forward into the season knowing that the momentum is on our side and the pressure is no longer here."

Following a week of training, the Eagles hit the road on Saturday, September 15 to take part in the Midwest Classic in Kenosha, Wisconsin, site of the 2007 NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championships.