Eric Gutierrez finished with a time of 1829.55 following fellow teammate Camilo Torres in the first team race against Nordhoff, Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Carpinteria.

By Epi Torres

On Saturday, February 27th the Fillmore Cross Country teams competed on their home course located at the Fillmore School Farm. The course distance measured three miles and consisted of two loops, mostly flat with a couple of slight inclines. All athletes would have to fight a strong wind today as they traversed the dirt and gravel course.

Teams competing today in the second meeting of the Citrus Coast League, were Fillmore, Nordhoff, Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Carpinteria.

All teams followed the same starting and racing protocol that was established last week. Each team slated to compete, lined their athletes on the starting time based on projected ability from fastest to slowest. They were then placed in groups of 3 or less; and were sent off the start line every 15 seconds. Once a team completed their run and cool down, they were required to leave the venue, so that the next team could run the course.

Fillmore was the first team to race and post times for this second meet of 3. Leading the Flashes off the line were Camilo Torres and Eric Gutierrez. Camilo finished in a time of 17:32.82, followed by Eric, who came across in 18:29.55. Matt Munoz was the next finisher in 20:21.66, followed by Diego Ramirez in 22:22.46, James Flores in 22:25.96, Kobe Lizarraga 23:05.76, and newcomer Angel Garcia in 23:07.16. James and Angel stepped to the line for the first time this year. Camilo posted the fastest time of the day for the second week in a row.

In the girls race, newcomer Sofia Rodriguez led all Fillmore finishers in a time of 27:38.74. She was followed by Andrea Laureano in 28:03.08, Angelica Herrera 28:17.33, Daisy Guerrero 32:19.95 and Camila Rodriguez 36.44.22. Camila, Sofia, and Angelica ran their first races of this short season.

Fillmore athletes will next compete on March 6th in Oxnard at Hueneme High School. The meet is hosted by Hueneme High School and is scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. This will complete Fillmore’s competition schedule for the 2021 Cross Country season. Many Thanks to all those who made it possible, especially our athletes and parents.