Getting back on a podium - that has been the goal for the San Bernardino Valley College cross country team over the past few years.

On Nov. 8, the team reached that goal.

The SBVC men's cross country team finished third in the Southern California Regional Championships at Chaffey College, posting the team's best finish at the event since a fourth-place finish in 2017 and winning the meet in 2016.

Kevin Nava continued his impressive season, earning fourth place in the field of 191. He was in second place at the 2.9-mile mark on the 4-mile course, but was chased down over the last mile-plus finishing at 20 minutes, 50.3 seconds, less than a second behind Cuesta's Weston Greenelsh for third, and two seconds behind Allan Hancock's John Gutierrez for second. 

Jacob Mendiola was the next Wolverine to cross the line, finishing 23rd at 21:24.3, with teammate Elijah McBroom finishing eight spots back at 21:33.8. Vinnie Quiroz stopped the clock at 21:39.0 for 34th place, and Zach Calderon rounded out the scoring five in 39th with a time of 21:51.3.

SBVC finished with 121 points, beating Riverside City by 10 points for the third spot. San Diego Mesa continued its dominance, winning the team title, with Mt. San Antonio finishing second. 

The SBVC women's team also punched its ticket to the State Championships at the event, finishing in 16th as a team. 

Sara Jaquez once again paced the Wolverines, finishing 17th in the field of 141 runners. She finished the 5-kilometer course with a time of 20:11.0. Liliana Wilson was next to stop the clock, finishing at 22:07.4 in 70th place. Not far behind was Hazel Torres, who finished 82nd with a time of 22:36.1.

The teams will now prepare for the trip to Fresno's Woodward Park for the annual state championship.