After nearly two years since its last meet, the American River College men’s cross country team is back and is ready to compete.

The last time the team competed was on Nov. 8, 2019. Rick Anderson, ARC’s cross country head coach, says the cross country team has the mindset to win every title they can.

“Our top goal is always a tiered goal. First is to win the conference, the second goal is to win NorCal, and our last goal is to win state,” Anderson said in an email to the Current. 

Anderson added that the team chemistry has not missed a beat in their two-year absence. He says that the runners and coaches picked up where they left off and are ready to win for each other.

“We have a great team atmosphere. These guys are ready to fight for their teammates day in and day out,” Anderson said.

The Men’s cross country team has a 2-1 record this season. They are ranked fourth in the state conference but are only a few points behind first place. Anderson said that they are only a couple of seconds away from being the best team in the state.

“Our program is amazingly strong. Everyone is at practice every day ready to go” Anderson added. “We will be ready when the championships get here.”

The men’s cross country team has four meets scheduled for the rest of the season. They have an invitational in Sunnyvale, California on Oct. 16. Then they compete in the Big 8 Championships at ARC on Oct. 29 as well as NorCal Championships on Nov. 5 and State Championships on Nov. 20.

For more information about the men’s cross country team or to find their schedule and score update, visit the ARC Beavers Athletics website here.