Glendora, CA (Cross Country) -- Citrus College Sophomore Vanessa Esquivel has signed a scholarship offer with Dickinson State of the NAIA. Esquivel is the second Citrus College women’s cross country runner (Christina Soto was the first) to sign a scholarship with Dickinson in the last two years.
“In talking to the coaches at Dickinson State, I just felt like it was the right environment for me,” Esquivel said. “The last two years Coach Greer has taught me how to keep my priorities in order, and the end rewards have been much greater. I’m more dedicated to winning, and am looking forward to doing the same at Dickinson.”
Esquivel followed up her promising freshman campaign with a stellar sophomore performance in 2009. Esquivel helped lead the Lady Owls to the State Championship meet for the first time in ten years, where she finished in 38th place out of almost 200 runners with a personal best time of 19:31.44.
“Over the past two years Vanessa has not only been our number one runner, but our leader as well,” Former Citrus College Head Cross Country Coach Maury Greer said. “We we’re looking to send her to a place that was going to offer her a good scholarship package and a place to compete and Dickinson State offered both. We are very proud of her, and know she will continue to do well.”
“[Vanessa] will be one of the top runners in the Dakota Athletic Conference and on target to be a force at the national meet,” said Dickinson State Head Cross Country Coach Thadd O’Donnell in a Dickinson State press release. “We are excited to have her join our program and to have her train with our established runners.”
Esquivel will join a number of Fighting Owls in North Dakota. The Blue Hawks boast three other former Fighting Owls among their ranks.