Submitted photo – The CR women placed 17th as a team at the weekend state championships.

Hannah Hartwell claimed a second state title for College of the Redwoods with another memorable showing over the weekend.

The five-time CR school record holder followed her state win in the 5,000 meters in track and field in May with a first-place finish at this past weekend’s California Community College Cross County Championships in Fresno.

“Just amazing,” is how head coach Reed Elmore described the achievement.

Hartwell finished the 3.1 mile race in a time of 17 minutes, 20.9 seconds, just three seconds off the course record and she becomes the first CR woman to win the state championship. 

Golden West star Marikay Schwab, who has dominated all season in SoCal, was second in a time of 17:34.2.

“She had fun,” Elmore said when asked what it was Hartwell did well. “Instead of trying to beat (Schwab), her goal was to be competitive and get the fastest time we can and make it a positive.”

Hartwell’s big finish helped the CR women to a 17th place finish as a team, the best-ever finish in school history.

Kristin Bonomini was next best for the Corsairs in 79th, followed by Maggie Stacy (102), Chloe Allen (125) and Deborah Wells (152).

All of the CR women had PR times, except for Wells, who was injured.

“It was their first state meet and it’s hard to PR at such a big race,” Elmore said. “For them to have that experience is huge.”

Wells hurt her foot during the week but wanted to compete anyway, and her determination helped the team to an historic finish.

Submitted photo – Hannah Hartwell, left and Marikay Schwab in action in Fresno.

Sean Dugdale also had a PR time for the CR men, placing 128th.

Hartwell is the most successful distance women’s runner in CR history and will be back competing for the Corsairs in track and field in the spring.

“She’s having a good time training with us and she has a good time in the community,” Elmore said of the sophomore standout, who helps organize many of the local youth races. “She really loves her teammates and likes CR.”

Elliot Portillo/Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics – Nick Brichta in action in Montana over the weekend.

Brichta earns All-Region recognition

Former CR runner and Arcata High graduate Nick Brichta also enjoyed a big weekend in cross country.

Brichta is competing this year for Cal Poly Humboldt and capped an impressive season with a strong showing at the weekend NCAA Division II West Region Championships in Billings, Montana.

Brichta finished the 10K race in a time of 30:54 and placed 25th.

He is the first Lumberjack too earn All-Region honors since 2019.