Both College of the Redwoods cross country teams had very impressive showings at last weekend’s Pat Ryan Cross Country Invitational in Santa Rosa, as they get set to host the Golden Valley Conference championships next week.

The CR men placed third overall, one spot ahead of conference rivals Butte, while the CR women finished fourth and also were the top finishers from the conference.

It was the first time the Corsairs have had a full women’s team on hand this season, and head coach Reed Elmore is hoping they can carry that momentum into the conference championships.

“On the women’s side, the game is just trying to get a full team,” Elmore said. “If we get a full team, we can win conference.”

Maggie Stacy of Fortuna placed 19th overall to lead the CR charge, one spot ahead of teammate Kristin Bonomini of Eureka.

Brianna Green (34th), Cheyenne Wilson (35th) and Desaraie Cox (36th) rounded out a good team performance, as some of the CR sprinters came out to run the distance race to help the team.

The CR men are also expected to compete for a conference championship next week and posted an impressive win over the Roadrunners, who have dominated them for years.

Eureka’s Ian Bennett continued to impress at the college level and was the top finisher from the conference in seventh.

Teammate Kyle Byrne was 17th overall and the fourth best finisher from the GVC, while Sean Dugdale was 25th overall and the fifth best GVC runner on the day.

Thomas Becannon (29th) and Henry Lamb (33rd) rounded out a good day for the Corsairs.

“We’ve been chasing Butte not only all season but for years now,” Elmore said “This meet shows we can beat them in conference.”

The GVC meet will be held on Friday, Oct. 29.