La Verne Places Ninth At West Regionals
The University of La Verne men's cross country team placed ninth overall at the NCAA Division III West Regionals held Saturday at Pomona-Pitzer.
The Leopards finished with a team total of 254 to earn a Top 10 overall team placing. La Verne posted a team time of 2:14:44.8 for an average of 26:56.9.
Colorado College and Occidental tied for first in the team standings with 76 followed by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps which placed third with 83.
Sophomore Chris Gutierrez was the top Leopard among individuals, placing 28th overall in a time of 26:21.3. Gutierrez earned All-Region honors as a result of his Top 30 performance. Junior Matt Sustayta also had a strong showing with a 37th place effort, completing the eight-kilometer course in 26:34.5.
Sophomore Bradley Blackshire placed 60th overall with a time of 27:12.2 followed by freshman Alberto Acosta who placed 62nd in 27:15.7.
The Leopards were not at full strength for the meet as lead runner Alex Forbess, who placed second at the SCIAC Championships, battled injuries throughout his race and finished 67th in 27:20.9. La Verne was also without the services of sophomore AJ Licon, who placed fourth in the conference championships. Licon did not compete due to injury.
