Conditions a challenge for runners in Stockton

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Marcus Reece of Cordova leads Franklin's Latee Piggee, right, and Matthew Seno of Elk Grove on Saturday in the Stockton Races at Legion Park. Elk Grove won the boys team title.CRAIG SANDERS/The Record

STOCKTON - Traction was at a premium for cross country racing Saturday at the annual Stockton Races at Legion Park.

With racers challenged by a muddy course, race director Dan Horan said conditions mirrored those that runners had to battle where cross country competition originated.

"The wet grass and mud makes for more of a traditional race you'd find in other countries," said Horan, the Chavez coach. "The terrain itself, that's part of the challenge."

Elk Grove claimed the boys' team title while Cordova was best among the field of girls. Elk Grove coach Tom Rossow said he was glad he brought his team to check out what Stockton had to offer.

"We like it. From a spectator's perspective, it's nice because you can see the kids for about half the race," Rossow said. "This race can build their confidence because the top 20 medal."

Sophomore Jack Ploeg led Elk Grove to the team win with a low of 22 points, followed by Stagg (85), Bear Creek (89), West (100), Cordova (107), Franklin (158) and Chavez (177). Ploeg had a time of 16 minutes and 54 seconds, winning by 39 seconds.

Franklin's Latee Piggee was the top local finisher, placing third with a time of 17:43. It was just his second race of the season, but was happy that time spent strength training with his dad over the summer may be paying off.

"I want to be stronger at the end," said Piggee, his shoes caked with mud. "It was hard to run the pace you wanted because the mud gets in your shoes."

Stagg coach Arthur Jones was elated that his boys team edged the other city schools, especially considering his team can't match the size of other teams.

"I thought we'd get killed by Bear Creek because we don't have a big team," Jones said. "But our kids have heart. We're young, and (finishing second) is definitely going to build our confidence and motivation to do well. I think we'll have a great season."

In the girls' competition, only two schools qualified with the minimum number of participants. Cordova edged Franklin by a score of 17-38. Cordova's Jakayla Fuller had the best time of 21:29 for the three-mile course.

Chavez's Devonna Gonzalez was the top local finisher, placing third with a time of 23:01. She had never finished in the top three before.

"I've been trying to push myself by going all out and doing my best," Gonzalez said. "I was intimidated because usually the out-of-town schools are really good."

Horan said he uses the even as an alumni gathering, with approximately 30 former runners returning to cheer on the Titans.

Said Horan: "It's like a cross country homecoming for us."

Senior Richard Black becomes Chavez High Schools First Wrestling National Champion.

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