The Escalon high cross country team finished its season on Friday at the Section Meet in a strong fashion. Most runners posted their best times of the season for this course.

“We would always like to win the race but finishing your last race of the season with your best time on the course is all you can ask of anyone,” said head coach Rick Heflin. “The Escalon runners did that. Last week Connor Lambeth was the last qualifier to the section meet. This week he was far from the last qualifier. He placed 33rd out of 46 runners. His time was 13:50 on a 3300 meter course.”

The sophomore boys team placed second in the section. Braiden Vega placed fourth individually in the section with a time of 12:14.7. Andres Cornejo was ninth overall in 12:55.5 and Moises Grajeda was 10th in 12:56.8.

“The varsity team retained its eighth place finish. Leading the group was Rex Robbins. He saved his best effort for last as he ended his high school career in championship fashion,” said Heflin.

Robbins ran the course in 18:02.2, taking 29th overall in the section. Gabe Romero was 35th in 18:08.0 and Juan Lopez rounded out the varsity’s top three, 39th overall with a time of 18:13.0.

“Troy Bedell was our only other senior runner on the varsity team,” noted Heflin. “We were the highest TVL team in varsity boys.”

Escalon’s JV boys ran well, with Jayden Lopez leading the way, placing 52nd in 19:13, Josh Teske placed 72nd in 19:51 and Xavier Chavez placed 74th in 19:59.

The Friday competition was hosted in Folsom.

“The team would like to thank all of our parents and the community for the awesome support we get every year,” Heflin added.