POMONA, Calif. -- The Vanguard men's cross country team finished fifth today at the Pomona-Pitzer Invite, the highest finish of the season for VU.  With a total time of 2:17:41, VU netted 130 points and placed behind Biola in fourth.  The hosting Sagehens won, with unattached James Settles taking the individual honors in 25:00.8.

"Our men ran with heart and determination today," said Head Coach Bryan Wilkins.  "They showed perseverance in their effort and wholehearted sportsmanship.  We exceeded our goal of a top-seven finish with a fifth-place result as a team.  All glory to God!"

Jesse O'Campo was the top placer for the Blue and Gold Saturday morning, with his 26:53.1 putting him in 15th.  Ommar Arroyo was next up for the Lions in 23rd after crossing the line in 27:01.6, with Caleb Dickerson coming around 30 seconds later in 36th in a time of 27:32.  After him was Ulysses Rios, who crossed the line in 27:46.4 in 41st, and Josiah Kirby finished 65th with a 28:27.7 for his best placing of the season.  Rudy Mendoza ended in 73rd (28:52.5), and Rylan Starnes was 96th (30:09.9).
 
What's Next?  The season has one race left before the Pacific West Championships, as VU heads to CSU Fullerton for a late afternoon/early evening race.