Sophomore Mia Joyce finished 32nd with a solid time of 20:52.6 in the varsity girls race. Photo courtesy of Head Coach Charlie Gonzalez

ANGELS CAMP, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers cross country program continued its unprecedented season with a strong showing during the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Sac Joaquin Section Sub-Section Finals on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp.

With five runners ranked in the top 100 during the event, Cordova will be sending its boys team to the upcoming Section Finals for the first time in over 30 years. Additionally, one Lady Lancer will be representing the girl’s team after a top 35 individual performance. 

The Lancers’ impressive outing was led by senior David Insco, who finished in first place overall in the three-mile race with a time of 16:04.0 in an incredible effort. When asked about his thoughts on Insco’s day, Lancers Head Coach Charlie Gonzalez was effusive with praise. 

Senior David Insco took home first place during the Sub-Section Finals on Nov. 7. Photo courtesy of Head Coach Charlie Gonzalez

“It means a lot to the program,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of the kids look up to him. He’s grown every year and every year he’s gotten better. He puts in the work and does everything he’s supposed to. He goes home and takes ice baths and Epsom salt baths. He stretches, takes care of his body, eats correctly and rests his body. He does a lot to be able to accomplish things like this besides the running. He looked amazing out there, and he really wanted to accomplish this goal with his team, and he knew getting first place would give us the best shot to accomplish the goal.”

Along with Insco, the team saw junior Caleb Mahoney (25th place, 16:58.5), senior Charli Ramirez-Oliva (27th place, 17:00.2), sophomore Sahib Singh (47th place, 17:17.2), and sophomore Antonio Martinez (78th place, 17:48.4) help lead the team to its successful showing.

The Cordova Lancers took part in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Sub-Section Finals on Saturday, Nov. 7 in Angels Camp. Photo courtesy of Head Coach Charlie Gonzalez

Achieving this goal was a long time coming according to Gonzalez, who took over the program three seasons ago. 

“When I first started coaching at Cordova, one of my biggest goals was to lead a team to Sections,” Gonzalez said. “It’s great to see them accomplish that. I still remember our first team meeting three years ago; our team goal was to qualify for Sections. We knew it was going to take a lot of hard work to get there, and we knew it was going to take years. This summer we knew it was within reach, and to see the boys accomplish it so comfortably was incredible.”

For the Lady Lancers, sophomore Mia Joyce finished 32nd overall with a time of 20:52.6, and qualified individually for the Section Finals. Her coach could not be prouder. 

“Qualifying for Sections is incredibly special,” Gonzalez said of Joyce’s feat. “She is the first female athlete that I have had the privilege of coaching to reach this milestone. She has grown tremendously as a runner and it’s been great to watch her confidence continue to develop.”

If you would like to support the Lancers during the upcoming CIF Sac Joaquin Section Finals, the event takes place this Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Willow Hills Reservoir Course in Folsom.