Cuesta’s Sean McDermott takes fifth at state cross country meet

Coming off its best finish in school history last year at the California Community College Athletic Association state meet, the Cuesta College men’s cross country team had big shoes to fill Saturday at this year’s state meet at Woodward Park in Fresno.

And, boy, did Sean McDermott deliver. He finished fifth, taking the 4-mile course in 20 minutes, 38 seconds. It was the third-fastest time in school history, coach Brian Locher said.

McDermott earned All-American status by virtue of finishing in the top 14 in the state, Locher said. McDermott also earned all-state honors.

Overall, the men took 11th place. San Luis Obispo High grad Aramis Knox was 60th in 21:42, Roberto Bazan was 73rd in 21:54, Sam Ryan was 83rd in 22:01 and Morro Bay High grad PJ Van Beurden was 93rd in 22:08.

The Cuesta women’s team finished 16th. Paso Robles High grad Claire Farrell was the Cougars’ top finisher, crossing the finish line in 20:00 for 60th place. Morro Bay High grad Aly Voth was 72nd in 20:11, Nipomo High grad Taylor Withcer was 95th in 20:34, Templeton High grad Teegan Trimble was 140th in 21:21 and Josselyn Beutler was 156th in 21:38.

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Cuesta’s Sean McDermott takes fifth at state cross country meet."