Held at the Mt. San Antonio College, in Walnut California, Mt. Sac Invitational is one of the largest, oldest and most difficult races in the country. This year was the 54th annual event with more than 90 races and 13, 500 runners from 450 schools mostly from all parts of California.

The meet has a history almost as old as the host college itself. Mt. San Antonio College dates back to1945 when it started out as Eastern Los Angeles County Community College. It was later renamed after Southern California's tallest and most visible snow-capped mountain (popularly known as Mt. Baldy) in the distance behind the College.The college today remains a community college with an enrollment about 40,000 and distintuished reputation both in academics and athletics.

The early days of Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational were a "bit" different than today. Back in 1948 Mt. Sac decided to host an event to try to promote cross country. It was for the Junior College and high school cross-country teams. Ten schools participated on a new cinder track. For high schoolers, it was a 1.8 mile course that included an up and down section with the only way back was by way of the course's first "Poop-Out Hill," (a road along the college's south bpimdary line to what is now the backside of today's "Poop-Out Hill).By the 1960's the course evolved to a new course. The old "poop-Out Hill" was eliminated and a new course included Reservoir Hill, the new "Poop-Out Hill," the Valley Loop, and newly cut "Switchbacks." High Schools runners were now running 3 milles mostly in barefoot which took its toll on feet. So, a new rule requiring all runners to wear shoes was established. At first, many runners ran in gymnastic/ballet type shoes. Later these were replaced as the shoe industry produced shoes acceptable to cross country runners.

Through the years, improvements were made and new groups including girls and women (1970's) were included bringing the meet up to today's stature. (Thanks to Don Ruh and his story in the program for the history in this intro.)

The 54th Annual Mt. SAC

The Stars

In a Class By Herself Amber Trotter, Ukiah CA--Amber not only won the race but shattered the course record with a time of 16.16. Amber is making up for last spring when she was out on a medical leave. Now, she looks forward to the Foot Locker championships.

Yong-Sung Leal--Arroyo CA, the boys most impressive runner for the meet with a time of 14.43, making him the 8th best runner ever at Mt. SAC.

more of Donna on the Side at Mt. SAC
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