On October 27, Tempe Kiwanis Park again served as the backdrop for the 2006 edition of the NJCAA Region I Cross Country Championships. The Central Arizona College Vaqueros claimed the women’s and men’s team titles. Samantha Hatch (Paradise Valley Community College) was declared the individual women’s winner, after attempting to tie with teammate Heather West; Tyson David (Central Arizona College) surged ahead in the final meters to claim the individual men’s title (click here for meet results).

Next up for the Arizona qualifiers is the NJCAA National Cross Country Championships in El Paso, Texas on November 4.

NJCAA Region I XC Championships Photo Gallery

A work-related conference prompted a recent visit to Austin, Texas. I had previously visited the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” in 2002 for what was then called the Motorola Austin Marathon (now known as the AT&T Austin Marathon). In 2002, I was still using 35 mm film; this time, I had an inexpensive point-and-shoot compact digital. It was interesting to compare the photographic results 4 ½ years apart…

Austin 2006 Photo Gallery

Austin 2002 Photo Gallery

Texas State Capitol, 2006

Texas State Capitol, 2002

The Doug Conley Invitational features the top-20 ranked boys and girls Arizona high school cross country teams, regardless of class level, as well as top individuals from non-invited teams. Not surprisingly, the meet produces excellent performances, and often foreshadows the state meet…

Doug Conley Invitational overall results (on Arizonatrack.com)

Doug Conley Invitational team results (on Arizonatrack.com)

Doug Conley Invitational non-varsity results (on Arizonatrack.com)

This year’s varsity races were won in decisive fashion by Victor Zazueta (Desert View) and Lindsay Prescott (Sandra Day O’Connor).

Preliminary images from the 2006 Doug Conley Invitational (updated 10/28/06)