Led by captains Ivan Alvarado and Chris Wells-Anders, the men’s cross-country team has managed to do very well this season.

Opening with back-to-back wins, Alvarado, Wells-Anders, Omar Limon, Henry Nuñez and Humberto Espino were quick to let everyone know they were a threat, which is nothing new.

The team is currently ranked third in the state and has won the Western State Conference five years in a row, and 13 years out of the last 15.

After a second place finish in Santa Barbara on Saturday, the main goal for the men is to finish the season strong, according to coach Eddie Lopez.

A top-10 finish at the Southern California Championships on Nov. 9, would secure a spot at the State Championship on Nov. 23 in Fresno. However, Lopez wants more than just a top-10 finish.

“I would like at least to break the top five at the Southern California Championship and bring home a trophy at the State Championship,” Lopez said.

The women’s cross-country team has also held its ground.

Led by captain Claudia Jimenez, All-American Pilar Delgado, Julia Flores, Laura Serrano, and Sandra Prado, the team is currently ranked fifth in the state.

The Lady Vaqueros have also won the Western State Conference two years a row, and four of the last five.
After a second place finish Saturday in Santa Barbara, their goals heading into the latter part of the season are the same as the mens’.

They would like to place in the top five in the Southern California Championships and top three in the state championships.

“Both teams are very strong and fast,” Lopez said. ” Our main goal is to win our conference and then concentrate on state.”

The men and women are both competing at 3 p.m. today in the Bakersfield Invitational.