Jimenez puts Royal boys on top at Connell

by Neil Pierson<br>Herald Sports Editor
| September 25, 2007 9:00 PM

CONNELL - Royal's Rigoberto Jimenez picked up a 33-second victory on Saturday, leading the Knights' boys cross country team to first place at the Connell Invitational.

Jimenez crossed the finish line in 15 minutes, 35 seconds, well ahead of the runner-up, Herschel Sanchey of Klickitat-Lyle. Royal's Ethan Tonnemaker earned fifth-place honors in 16:56, pushing the Knights past Kiona-Benton for the 1A team title. Royal scored 186 points, 25 better than the Bears.

Zillah finished third among 1A boys teams with 253 points, with Lake Roosevelt (275) and Connell (313) rounding out the top five.

Other results for Royal included Roy Angel (46th in 18:32), Rodrigo Montoya (53rd in 18:44) and David Floren (81st in 19:32).

Moses Lake's boys also had a terrific outing, placing second among 4A and 3A squads. The Chiefs, led by Jeff Marsh's sixth-place time of 17:03, scored 79 points to finish four points back of first-place Hanford.

Moses Lake's Nick McAlavy had a solid performance, placing 14th in 17:27. Ari Santiago (16th in 17:32), Daniel Jenkins (20th in 17:42), Skylar Hofer (23rd in 17:48), Steffen Klepsch (47th in 18:34) and Tanner Hunt (57th in 18:52) rounded out the Chiefs' point scorers.

Othello was fourth out of five 2A squads in attendance. The Huskies were paced by Michael Cooper, who placed 69th in 19:04. Othello's Jacob Hoots (82nd in 19:34), Eduardo Montes (88th in 19:51), Dustin Pass (103rd in 20:26), Anthony Villareal (105th in 20:48) and Josh Perez (125th in 22:33) also participated at Connell.

Girls Results

Moses Lake placed last among the three 4A/3A schools, scoring 180 points to finish well back of first-place Hanford (28) and second-place Pasco (57).

Kristin Budiselich led the Chiefs with an eighth-place time of 21:14, and teammate Kayla Chamberlain was hot on her heels, ninth in 21:15. Amy Cromer (31st in 23:59), Alex Marek (61st in 27:04), Veronika Vahk (71st in 29:04) and Yuri Reyes (76th in 30:37) were Moses Lake's other competitors.

Othello and Royal also sent runners to the Connell Invitational, but not enough to qualify for the team standings.

Royal's top runner was Cara Wieldraayer, 19th in 22:50. Teammates Julisa Jeske (25th in 23:22) and Lydia McCubbins (70th in 28:26) rounded out Royal's three-runner squad.

Paula Smith turned in the best for Othello's girls at 26:24, good for 53rd. Other results included Maleni Hernandez (67th in 27:53), Lilian Silva (72nd in 29:12) and Nohely Castro (77th in 32:32).