Aug. 30, 2008

Brea, Calif. - Brent Handa ran third overall to lead Cal State Fullerton's men's team to victory Saturday morning in the Fullerton Season Opener cross country meet at Carbon Canyon Regional Park.

Handa, a sophomore from Fall River High School and Cassel, California, covered the 8K course in 26:31.90, trailing only winner FItsum Tesfa of Vanguard (26:15.70) and CSF alum Steve Frisone (26:27.60), who runs with Cal Coast. Titans following Handa were Joey Divizia (8th in 26:52.51), Eddie Perez (13th in 27:14.10), Steve Mackay (14th in 27:14.90) and Michael Sanchez (19th, 27:27.50).

Long Beach State was runnerup and Vanguard was third in the men's race.

In the women's competition, Long Beach State was victorious over Cal Coast, Cal State L.A. and then Fullerton. Julie Swail of Cal Coast won the 5K race in 17:58.70. The top five Titans were Amanda Robles (13th in 18:55.70), Meredith Robie (18th in 19:06), Erin Griffith (21st in 19:09.10), Andrea Aguilar (34th in 19:44.30) and Erika Estrada (38th in 19:49.50). Fullerton's top two runners -- Grace Gonzales and Carolyn Ellis -- were held out of the meet.

"On the men's side, it was nice to open with a win," said Head Coach John Elders. "Brent had a rough freshman year but today he was much more relaxed.

"Joey ran a realsolid race and Michael Sanchez running fifth for us made it a good start for our young guys. I'm excited about our talent.

"Erik Estrada ran third overall as unattached. He is redshirting for us and will have two track seasons and one cross country year.

"On the women's side, we also had Yomaira Hernandez out with an injury, but in two weeks we will be a full strength for the Aztec Invitational. Our top two runners were freshmen and I'm happy with how they ran. It's a good sign for the women's squad."

Men's Results

Women's Results