Warriors Hit Top Marks at Dan Gabor Invitational

Pleasanton, CA - The Valley Christian distance team traveled to Pleasenton to compete in the Dan Gabor Distance Invitational Friday, at Amador Valley High School.  The race featured a wide range of competition ranging from beginners to the some of the best in Northern California.  With nearly 1,600 competitors spread over 72 heats of the 800, 1600, and 3200 meter races it was an exciting meet with an electric atmosphere.

It wasn't ideal conditions for a fast 800 meters as the temperatures dropped as the night went on but that didn't stop the race from taking it out a blistering 28 seconds.  The fast pace took its toll on pretty much everyone in the race but Senior, Isabel Garcia held on to to finish in 2:31.18.

The boys 800 meters featured Senior Daniel Kliensmith and freshman Wilson Ye, Paul James and Matt Lundy.  Kliensmith went on to run a personal best 2:24.07, while Lundy has a spectacular debut running 2:18.  Ye and James both ran solid performances and both ran up to expectations finishing in 2:31 respectably.

The 3200 meters was the highlight of the night as six runners ran their personal best times.  Amy Reyes finished second in the first heat in 13:10 and was shocked to find out her time after the race.  It was her first ever 3200 meter race and Reyes had butterflies before the race due to the unexpected.  She had nothing to worry about as she ran composed and paced like a veteran.

Following Reyes in the second heat Jessica Xu, Karen Mac and Kellianne Connolly competed brilliantly running in the lead pack from start to finish.  Running with the lead pack through the mile in 6:18 the Warriors trio took control of the race and dropped the pace down to low 6 minute pace for the next several laps.  Mac went on to finish in a personal best time of 12:27 while Xu finished in 12:30 with only one shoe on after losing it the late stages of the last lap.  Connolly battled through a tough 7th lap where she threw up, but battled back to finish strong in a personal best of 12:52.

Finishing up the night in the boys 3200 meters was Alex Ascencio, Dustin Laucella and Eyobed Mesfun.  Ascencio and Laucella both finished in 11:34.  The time is a personal best for Ascencio and just off of Laucella's best from last year ago.  Eyobed Mesfun finished his race in a personal best time of 10:42 moving him to #5 all-time for the Warriors.  His mark also breaks Ian Karlsson's Junior record of 10:47 set in 2009.

For Full Results: CLICK HERE