The Aggies left the Bronco Invitational at Santa Clara University on Saturday with a podium finish.
Jonathan Peterson was the big winner on the men’s side with a first-place time of 23:45.1 in the 8K individual race. Not only did Peterson best the competition of 30 other schools, his time was also fast enough to set a new course record.
Behind Peterson was Jonathan Sees, who finished in tenth place with a time of 24:16.8. Meanwhile Calvin Thigpen took 17th , finishing at 24:28.8.
Of all of the schools competing in the Bronco Invitational, the three Aggie runners were the only competitors from the Big West Conference to finish in the top 20. This is great news looking ahead to their next event, the Big West Conference Championships.
Caitlin Fitzgerald led the way on the women’s side, finishing with a time of 17:26.7 in the 5K, good for 15th place. Sarah Tusting came in 31st at 17.48.8, while Krista Dreschler followed her in at 37th with a time of 17:50.9.
Fitzgerald, Tusting and Dreschler led the way to earn a fifth place finish overall for the UC Davis women. Peterson’s course record along with fast times by Sees and Thigpen brought the men to a podium finish, earning third place overall on the men’s side.
With great finishes for both the men’s and women’s teams at the Bronco Invitational, sights are set and hopes are high as the Aggies prepare for the Big West Championships in Riverside on Oct. 23.
– Johnny Parsons
