5CTCA honors four with Athlete of the Week accolades

SALINAS - The 5CTCA extends its Runners of the Week honors to four outstanding runners who each had great performances this past weekend. Congratulations to the following athletes for their outstanding performances in Week #6! 

Nathanael Rodriguez of Bakersfield College has quietly put together one of the best sophomore campaigns statewide. At the Western State Conference Preview Meet at Oxnard College, Nathanael placed second in 20:25. He was also the winner of the Bakersfield Invitational, placed at the Socal Preview Meet, third at the Oxnard College Invitational, and ran 20:55 for fifth at the Fresno Invitational.

East Los Angeles College has a strong individual in Marbella Flores. She won the SDCC Downey Classic in 19:19 to win by 58 seconds. She was also second at the Moorpark Invitational and fourth at the Socal Preview Meet. 

Jacklyn Velasquez of De Anza College won her first community college race at the Modesto Junior College Invitational. She was timed in 20:30 to win by 24 seconds. She has emerged as the Mountain Lions leader this fall and has been their top runner in every meet. 

Running his home meet, Adan Salgado of Modesto JC ran his fastest time of the 2023 season in 20:38 to place fourth overall for the host Pirates. Salgado has improved dramatically from his freshman year taking over the leadership role for MJC as a sophomore. 

(Chris Zepeda, 5CTCA)