Holtville alum Jimenez shines for San Diego Mesa

He excelled for a team that had a roster of 23 and won the California Community College Athletic Association state championship.

“I’m pleased with my season,” said Jimenez, who didn’t race in the state championship because he was the first alternate for that event.

He finished sixth – fifth among the team’s entries – in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship four-mile event to help San Diego Mesa win the title. He earned all-conference recognition.

“I was just confident,” he said. “I stuck to my pace. I moved up little by little.”

He placed 14th in the Southern California Regional Championship four-mile, held at a course the team had raced on about a month earlier. He earned the final all-region spot.

“The course was really fast,” Jimenez said. “I knew how the course was going to be.”

He tried to stay at the rear of the front pack. “I went out hard, and I tried my best to stay a good pace,” he said. “I try to hold that pace as long as possible and be in good enough position to score points for my team.”

He thought he was in 20th position as he started the third mile. “That’s when I shifted gears,” he said. “My kick is where I do my best.”

He was effective in applying his training to races, according to San Diego Mesa Head Coach Sean Ricketts.

“It’s all of the supplemental training, all of the strength work, all the core work,” the coach said, noting his attention to diet and sleep as well.

Ricketts cited his efficiency during races. “Being in control. Learning how to really pace yourself and finish strong,” he said.

Jimenez competes next for the track-and-field team.

Football

Freshman defensive lineman Joseph Hargrave played in nine games for Lakeland University (Wis.). The Central Union High product made five tackles and had two quarterback sacks.

College of the Desert wide receiver Jesus Fernandez had a season-high four receptions for 84 yards in a loss to Citrus. Out of Brawley High, he had a 35-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

Freshman Luis Andrade played in seven games for Southwestern College. The safety from Calexico High made one tackle.

Men’s wrestling

Sophomore Aram Zavala had the lone victory for Life Pacific University against Arizona Christian. The former Spartan competed at 157 pounds.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.