CROSS-COUNTRY : Belmont Runs Away With 2 Championships

The Belmont High boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams continue to master their competition, winning both team titles Thursday during the Northern Conference finals at Pierce College.

Sentinel junior Ricardo Valenzuela, who has been recovering from an injury to his left knee, was a surprise winner, completing the three-mile course in 15:51. The Sentinels had five of the top six finishers with Wilburd Estrada finishing second at 16:04.

“It was absolutely a pleasant surprise to see Ricardo run that well,” Belmont Coach Gordon Weisenburger said. “I didn’t expect him to do that well. He is just rounding into form.”

Eagle Rock’s Rudy Espino finished third to interrupt the wave of green and black Belmont jerseys crossing the finish line. Sentinel Antonio Torres was fourth at 16:09, followed by teammates Fabrizio Flores (16:12) and Alfonso Falcon (16:16).

Belmont had 18 points. Lincoln was second at 64, followed by Bravo Magnet (90) and Eagle Rock (112).

In the girls’ competition, Belmont had the first seven finishers and eight of the top 10. Patty Trejo finished first at 18:38, closely followed by Yolando Gomez (19:06), Auria Roberto (19:19), Alma Herrera (19:37) and Imelda Flores (19:55).

The Sentinels had 15 points, the lowest and best score possible. Bravo took second at 93, Eagle Rock was third at 96 and Franklin was fourth at 112.

In the Southeastern Conference finals, Huntington Park won the boys’ team title and Bell won the girls’ final Wednesday at Pierce College.

Jorge Perea of Huntington Park won the race in 15:16. Teammates Mike Gomez (15:37) and Oscar Urizar (15:38) placed third and fourth, respectively.

In the girls’ finals, Liz Saceja of Bell won in 20:00.