THEOLOGIDY FINISHES THIRD AT STATE, GONZALEZ TAKES 10th

SACRAMENTO - Despite falling twice in the women's 3000 meter steeplechase Saturday afternoon at CCCAA State Championships at American River College, Mariah Theologidy bested her school-record to finish third in the event and earn herself All-American for the Marauder women's track and field team.

Theologidy, who just missed becoming an All-American in cross country at the state meet in Fresno, finished with a personal best time of 11:32.12. Diani Ellis of College of the Canyons won the race in 11:15.61 and Glendale College's Angelica Salas was second in 11:26.45.

Last season, the Marauders had another All-American on the women's side when Angela Wilson finished second in the 800 meter run.

Carolina Gonzalez joined Theologidy at the state meet and competed in the 5000 meter run. Gonzalez finished 10th in the race with a time of 18:55.31. Miranda Daschian won the event in 17:33.18.

Both Theologidy and Gonzalez are only freshmen and should make a strong statement at next year's state meet as well.

"I thought Mariah did a fantastic job. She broke the school record for the fourth time this season and even though she fell down twice, she may have gotten second. She ran really well," said AVC head coach Mark Covert, who coached his final meet for the Marauders. "You always hope to go out on a high note. Carolina was very competitive. We've been fortunate to do better at the state meet then we have a So Cal many times. I was thrilled for Carolina to be competitive in the state meet and finish 10th."