On a sufficatingly hot day, with a team featuring only one sophomore, San Bernardino Valley College men's cross country coach Jim Ratigan had tempered hopes for his team as they lined up for their first meet on Sept. 3 at the University of Redlands.

But facing schools including NCAA Division II power Cal Poly Pomona, and Division III stalwart Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, the Wolverines finished fifth at the Redlands Invitiational, the first six kiolmeter race for many of the SBVC runners.

"I was happy with our performance," Ratigan said. "We have a very young squad. We have a lot of room for improvement, but I see big things in the future for this group."

Dennis Cordova (Big Bear) was the first Wolverine to cross the line, finishing 46th with a time of 20 minutes, 42 seconds. He was followed seven seconds later by Jake Caliva (Citrus Valley), at 20:49. Arian Mayorga (Citrus Valley) and Chris Valderrama (Bloomington) stopped the clock together in 60th position, with times of 21:20.

Rounding out the top six for SBVC were Fercis Torres (Grand Terrace) at 22:31 and Joseph Gaitan (Citrus Valley) at 23:08.

The Wolverines will race next at the Cerritos College Invitational on Sept. 16.