DVCC opened the season with the annual Black and Blue Intra-Squad meet on their recently-updated course on the Desert Vista campus, on Saturday Aug. 17. The morning was hot and humid, but those who were racing turned in great performances despite the heat.
Sophomore Xavier Esparza looked strong and led the way for the Thunder, completing the 5k+ course in a time of 17:15. Following Esparza and rounding out the top seven finishers were Senior Alec Hoyt (17:28), Junior Ben Davis (17:40), Senior Jacob Walimaa (17:44), Sophomore Matthew Anciaux (17:50), Junior Kyle Havriliak (17:51), and Senior Kyle Herrig (18:33).
Immediately following the intra-squad meet, both the girls and boys cross country teams played host to the Pat Quinn Community 5k Run. The free run (in its second year) is an annual event honoring Desert Vista security guard and assistant girls cross country coach Pat Quinn, who passed away last year. Community support for the event has remained strong with approximately 350 to 400 participants. The organizers also collected $1,654 in donations from members of our community.
DVCC has 63 runners on its roster this year and officially kicks of the season on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd at the Sole Sports Running Zone Cross Country Festival. Make plans to come out to Silverado Golf Course and cheer on our Thunder runners as they embark on another exciting cross country season.