Clark’s Breen wins NWAC cross country title

Clark College sophomore James Breen became the first Penguins runner to capture the NWAC cross country championship.

The Heritage High grad won the men’s 8K race in 23 minutes, 12 seconds Saturday at Lewisville Park in Battle Ground.

He topped a field of 85 runners, winning by 8 seconds.

The previous best finish by a Clark man at the championships was third place in 1991 (Jason Combs) and 1993 (Erik Anderson).

The Clark men placed fifth out of 12 teams. Spokane won the team title.

Mountain View grad Sam Garvin was seventh for Clark in 25:33.

The Clark women finished third out of 12 teams, with all the Penguins runners placing in the top 25. Spokane also won the women’s title title.

Melissa Starr was the top Penguins runner, placing 10th on the 5K course in 19:15.

Becca Mildes of Spokane won in 17:58.

CLARK MEN’S RESULTS

1, James Breen 25:12; 7, Sam Garvin 25:33; 19, Josiah Burson 26:16; 35, Dan Nehnevaj 27:10; 38, Justin Knowles 27:20; 79, Shawn Ferguson 31:22. (Click here for complete race results)

CLARK WOMEN’S RESULTS

10, Melissa Starr 19:15; 12, Tresa Marsh 19:37; 14, Sadie Dalgleish 19:49; 16, Alanni Wingert 20:04; 19, Isabelle Cisco 20:09; 23, Tayler Cearley 20:28; 25, Emily Schauble 20:40. (Click here for complete race results)