Cross country stumbles on the track

Palomar College Cross Country Invitational at Guajome Park. Palomar female cross country runners start off strong in the cross country race through Guajome Park.

The Comets cross country teams suffered a small setback from last season, when both teams placed in the top 15 regionally.

The women’s team, which finished as Pacific Coast Athletic Conference co-champions last year, finished fourth out of the six teams in the PCAC cross country finals this season, and finished the season 20th in Southern California.

However, the women’s team did have two of its athletes, Jessica Betancourt and Jessica Steinhoff, qualify for the state championship meet. Steinhoff, with a time of 18:51, claimed 15th place in the state meet, with Betancourt placing 93rd.

Palomar College Cross Country Invitational at Guajome Park. Palomar College men cross country runners show their determination as the cross country race starts through Guajome park.

The men’s team also slipped this season, finishing fourth in the PCAC. Matthew Bellah, the team’s top finisher all season, placed 11th in the conference individual meet.

Regionally, the team finished 20th but ultimately failed to have any runners represent Palomar at the state meet.

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