By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Rojo represents Hawks' cross country for last time
CV senior places 41st at D-II meet
andresrojo.tif
Andres Rojo wrapped up his three-year career with Central Valleys varsity boys cross country team earlier this month in Folsom. Rojo placed 41st at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II Championships. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Central Valley varsity boys cross country standout Andres Rojo set a personal record while finishing in 41st place at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II Championships on Nov. 10 in Folsom.

"I got a PR," said Rojo, who bested 39 other runners. "I'm satisfied with that."

Andres posted a time of 17 minutes, 39 seconds on the 3.1-mile Willow Hill Reservoir Course.

"I looked at the course before the race," Rojo said. "I knew it was going to be difficult. There were a lot of hills and a good amount of turns. I had to strategize. My mindset was to do the best I could do."

The top three teams and top five individuals not on those teams extended their seasons by qualifying for the California State Championship.

"The competition was tough," Andres said. "It was kind of a hail-mary pass for me to go to state."

Central Valley's Christian Balderas was supposed to compete in the Division-II freshman boys race.

Balderas made the trip to Folsom but had to scratch due to illness.

Christian finished in sixth place at subsections the previous week in Angels Camp.

Rojo, a senior, represented Central Valley's varsity boys varsity cross country team for the final time.

"I'm satisfied with my season," said Andres, who was sidelined with hip injuries during the majority of the 2016 campaign. "I ran my heart out."

Rojo filled a major role as the Hawks annexed their first-ever league title this fall.

Central Valley claimed the Western Athletic Conference overall championship.

The Hawks took first at the conference finals and beat all five of their dual opponents.

Rojo made program history by capturing the WAC's individual title and winning the league's Most Valuable Player award.

"I'm proud of what I've been a part of," Andres said. "We were able to turn around the program. It's amazing."