By Sarah Mosteller (@sarahmoste1ler) – Spear Reporter // Photo via Sarah Mosteller
The Spartan men’s and women’s cross-country programs are toeing the line again on Friday at the Pacific College Invitational in Lodi, California.
The men’s 8k is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by the women’s 6k at 6:15 p.m.
The Pacific Collegiate Invitational is a staple meet for the Spartans, including competition from local schools like Stanford, Sacramento State, and Fresno State.
“I want to see us progress,” said head coach Charmaine Darden. “This year we’ve brought in more freshmen and transfers so they will help bring an advantage to the team.”
The Spartans have had four weeks of rest since their season opener at the USF Invitational on September 1.
SJSU sophomore Constance O’Neal and senior Amelio Chio both set lifetime personal records during the season-opening meet and are projected to lead the competition for the Spartans.
O’Neal ran a 22:37 in the 6k to finish in 46th place overall. Chio finished the 8k in 25:22.6 to finish in 41st to carry the Spartans on the men’s side.
The women’s team finished 11th and the men’s team finished 12th overall.
This year, SJSU sophomore Michael Chadwick and freshman Alexander Walker are assisting in leading the men’s pack. Freshman Amanda Chalburg will be at the forefront of the women’s squad.
“With the athletes I already have getting better with another year of my training it will come full circle definitely,” said Darden. “We’ll see a big difference in results this year.”
SJSU is seeing its biggest chunk of action this month. The Spartans are competing in the San Francisco State Invitational on October 6.
Following the San Francisco State Invite, the Spartans will compete in the Bronco Invitational on October 14 in Sunnyvale for their final regular-season meet.