Cohen runs ‘race of his life’ to take 39th in WSC Championships

Michael Cohen ran the "race of his life" on Friday to place 39th in the WSC Cross Country Championships and earn a berth in the Southern Cal Championships.

The sophomore from Santa Ynez High improved 12 spots on his finish from the WSC Preview three weeks ago. Cohen ran a season-best 23:35 on the 4-mile course at Bonelli Park in San Dimas. He shaved 1 minute, 20 seconds off his time in the WSC Preview.

Michael Tran, a sophomore from Irvine, turned in a PR of 25:58 to place 72nd.

"Both guys ran tough races today," stated Vaquero coach Scott Fickerson. "Both ran season-best marks in conditions not conducive for distance running. Cohen had to improve about 10 spots from his race three weeks ago and he did just that. He ran the race of his life today!"

Glendale ran away with the team title, totaling 35 points to beat second-place Oxnard (88) by 53 points. Cuesta was third with 103 points.

Marcelo Ramirez of Glendale was the individual champion in 20:56.

Cohen will compete in the Southern Cal Championships on Friday, Nov. 2 at Don Knabe Regional Park in Cerritos.