Ayana Jaimez-Solorio with Coach Joe Gallardo after Ayana, only a freshman, took 4th place at the CIF Finals at Mt. San Antonio College on Saturday. Her stupendous run earned her an opportunity to race at State Meet on November 29th in Fresno.
Lucerne Valley High School 9th-grade cross country runner Ayana Jaimez-Solorio surpassed her coach’s expectations by not only qualifying for the upcoming state meet but running in the Top 5 at Saturday’s C.I.F. Finals in the Division 5 race at Mt. San Antonio College.
Ayana finished in 4th place in a time of 18 minutes, 2.20 seconds on Mt. Sac’s rainy conditions course. Going into the race, she had the 17th fastest time and needed to finish in the Top 20 to move on to next week’s state finals meet.
“I am so proud of this young lady,” said Coach Joe Gallardo. “She has worked extremely hard this season. I can’t wait to see what’s to come next weekend at the State Championship!”
“Whoohoo!” exclaimed coach Guillermo Betancourt, adding that Ayana’s time was a new personal record.
“We are very happy for her,” said her father Victor Solorio, Sr. “She has always been a hard worker. Finally it’s her turn to shine. Thank you coach for your commitment to all these kids. She couldn't be there without your help.”
CIF State Cross Country Championships at Woodward Park in Fresno on Saturday, November 29th. The Division 5 girls race is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
