WICHITA — Gabriela Ruiz ran a strong race in her first 4K competition of the 2011 season. The Allen County Community College freshman was the top two-year college finisher in the women’s cross country race at the J.K Classic Saturday.
Ruiz finished 30th overall in a field of 121 runners. She ran the course in 15 minutes, 56.15 seconds. Freshman Brianna Jacobs was 43rd in 16:33.17 and running unattached Tsianina Whitetree placed 62.
“I was very pleased with how our women competed. Gabby really competed well. She started off slower than what she should have because of my decision regarding the heat,” said Vince DeGrado, ACCC head coach.
DeGrado sais Ruiz started moving through the packs of runners quickly. He said Ruiz is establishing herself as one of the top runners in the region.
“Brianna ran very well also. She keeps getting better with each week of training,” DeGrado said.
Leading the the Red Devil men in the 6k race was freshman Garrett Colglazier. Colglazier placed 39th in 20:36.79.
Tegan Michael ran the course in 20:54.03 for 45th followed by Josh Whittaker in 50th at 21:00.75. Both are freshmen.
Placing 53rd was Evan Adams in 21:04.99. Kyle Stromgren ran 86th in 22:21.94. Camille Charvet finished 92nd in 22:40.49 and Jacob Spence was 99th in 22.58.33. All are freshmen.
“We didn’t compete as a team in this race and our places and times showed it. We would have liked to have a similar showing as we did at our home meet but sometimes you need meets like this to remind you it’s all about the process each day even for myself,” DeGrado said.
DeGrado said he was pleased with the way Colglazier ran showing he is only going to get better with each week of training. Whittaker was another bright spot, according to DeGrado, “he ran a strong second half of the race.”
Allen County hosts the Red Devil Open Friday. The women’s race is at 6 p.m. followed by the men’s race.
Red Devil runners compete in J.K. Classic
