Chico State looks to defend men’s title in Sacramento

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Haggin Oaks Golf Complex has been the host site for NCAA Division 1 West Regionals in 2013 and last year, but the third annual Capital Cross Challenge, presented by HOKA ONE ONE, is expected to be the largest cross country event held at the Sacramento venue.

More than 5,000 athletes representing youth and middle school teams, along with 105 high schools and 31 colleges will compete Saturday on the challenging terrain, with distances ranging from 1.4 miles for the youth club individuals and 8 kilometers for the collegiate men.

The seeded high school races are scheduled to start at 8:55 a.m. and the collegiate races at 9:50 a.m.

The Sacramento Running Association and Sacramento Sports Commission have been instrumental in the meet nearly doubling in size for the second year in a row.

The Capital Cross Challenge also provided an opportunity for several Northern California high schools and colleges to stay close to home when the Stanford Invitational was canceled this season.

Chico State, a top five NCAA Division II program led by senior Kyle Medina, looks to defend its men’s title against fellow Division II powers Cal Poly Pomona and UC San Diego, top-ranked NAIA school Southern Oregon and Division I teams Cal Berkeley, Cal State Fullerton, New Mexico State and Santa Clara.

Chico State and Cal Poly Pomona are also Division II women’s nationally ranked programs competing, in addition to NAIA power Southern Oregon, as well as Cal Berkeley, Cal State Fullerton, Loyola Marymount and Nevada. Arizona State, last year’s women’s champion, did not return this season.

In the girls high school seeded race, Campolindo, Davis Senior, Monte Vista, Oakmont, Rio Americano, St. Francis Sacramento and Vista del Lago are all California high school teams scheduled to compete against Nevada programs Bishop Manogue and Reno.

In the boys seeded race, Campolindo and Davis Senior are also competing against Bishop Manogue and Reno, along with Arroyo Grande, Jesuit, McClatchy and Rocklin.