San Benito junior Courtney Allen clocked a 19:34 and finished
93rd overall out of 198 harriers in Division I of the CIF State
Cross Country Championships Saturday.
Staff Reports
Fresno
San Benito junior Courtney Allen clocked a 19:34 and finished 93rd overall out of 198 harriers in Division I of the CIF State Cross Country Championships Saturday.
The year-end meet was held at Woodward Park in Fresno, and Allen was the lone San Benito representative among the best of the best of the best runners in the state.
In what was a formidable cream-of-the-crop atmosphere, Allen said on Sunday that the race was intimidating.
“I could have done better,” she said. “Mostly, I think I should have been able to stay with the head pack.
“It was pretty difficult. It wasn’t easy.”
Allen said she lost the lead pack during the second mile of the race, and although she was disappointed, the fact that she was running at the state meet did ease some of the frustration.
San Benito girls coach Josh Morales was hoping the lone Lady ‘Baler would break 18:40, as Allen ran an 18:49 at the Clovis Invitational on Oct. 6, which was also held at Woodward Park in Fresno.
“We were hoping she’d PR,” Josh said. “She was a little sick though during the week, so her breathing was a little off.
“We’re looking forward to having a good senior year next year.”
San Benito boys coach Jess Morales was also in attendance, and said Allen looked good for the first three quarters of the race.
“She was ready, mentally. She was ready to go. We got up this morning and she was ready to hit it,” Jess said. “When you have a field that big, everyone is as good as you are. But she had a good season.
“She had a good year. I’m really pleased with her.”
Laurynn Chetela of Davis Senior High School took first overall in Division I with a time of 17:18.
Allen, though, has already set a goal for next year to eclipse her accomplishments from this season. The Lady ‘Baler broke into 18 minutes this year, was an all-league selection in the Tri-County Athletic League and, according to Jess Morales, she received some recognition from colleges.
“Just to do better than I did this year,” she said.
