Dani Jones runs into the record books in AZ

By Erik Boal, DyeStatCAL Editor

 
On a day of historic team achievement at the Arizona state cross country championships, it was Desert Vista senior Dani Jones who delivered the most memorable performance Saturday at Cave Creek Golf Course in Phoenix.

Jones broke the course record by covering the 5-kilometer layout in 17 minutes, 26 seconds to not only eclipse the mark of 17:28.16 set in 2009 by Xavier Prep's Jessica Tonn, but secure back-to-back Division I titles.

Jones' effort led five scorers in the top 12 to help Desert Vista repeat as champion with a 30-83 victory over Xavier Prep. The Colorado commit also contributed to the Thunder becoming the first program in state history to sweep boys and girls Division I state titles.

Desert Vista had five scorers in the top 16 to capture the boys championship with a 46-60 triumph over Mountain View for its second title in three years.

"It meant so much for me personally, to be apart of two state titles on the boys and girls side," Jones said. "Our team is very young and I believe only one other boy and I have been apart of this program since 2011. I've been with this team long before state titles were a regular occurrence and although I will never be able to be apart of a four-time state winning team, which I know is very possible for my team to achieve, I have learned to appreciate every title we earn and I understand how lucky I am to be apart of a team with so much talent."

Rio Rico's Carlos Villarreal, who ran the fastest time of the day of 15:24 to capture his first Division III title, even abbreviated his cool down run to watch Jones' record-breaking pursuit.

"It was really awesome to watch. She went out hard and was able to maintain and she looked strong throughout. The last 200 was really intense watching the clock and listening to everybody cheering for her, waiting to see if she'd get the record," Villarreal said. "I'm really happy for her. She was so impressive. The end of that race was a great atmosphere. It was the most exciting part of the day. It was incredible to listen to the applause she received after she crossed the finish line."

Jones quickly separated from the pack -- including sophomore sister Baylee, who finished third in 18:50 -- and continued to extend her lead throughout to improve on last year's winning time by 34 seconds to follow Xavier Prep's Sarah Fakler and Tonn as back-to-back state champions.

"This race meant so much to me from start to finish, with or without the record. My goal for this race was to enjoy every step of it and really enjoy the crowd in one of my final races in Arizona," Jones said. "The crowd and support the team and I received was incredible. I couldn't help but smile during the race at times. I was very fortunate to have such a great last race and I'm greatful for all the support.

"Breaking the record was a great way to go out in Arizona. Knowing it was Jessica Tonn's record makes it a very special record to break. Jessica has been a huge role model for me ever since Coach (Jeff) Messer came to DV. Jessica was and is a very talented athlete, but she is also an even better person, teammate and role model. I'm honored to have broken a record like that. I'm very lucky to have been influenced by people like Jessica Tonn."

Villarreal was pursuing the state record of 15:03.32 set in 2010 by Tuba City's Billy Orman, but wound up giving Rio Rico consecutive champions after Oscar Amaya won last season in 15:47.57. Villarreal was second last year in 15:55.19.

"I was hoping to run a little faster, but I just wanted to run my own race and do whatever it took to win," Villarreal said. "It's my first cross country state title and I ran 31 seconds faster than last year, so it's a big confidence booster for me. That course record is really something. It's the record for a reason. It's a tough course, but this is something I've really wanted and I've worked hard for it and I'm glad it all paid off."

Amaya has recently been bothered recently by plantar fasciitis in both feet and finished eighth in 16:42 for Rio Rico, which was trying to win its second Division III title in three years, but wound up placing third with 87 points.

Page prevailed with 44 points -- sweeping both boys and girls division championships -- and Chinle was runner-up with 80.

"I know we were definitely hoping to go 1-2, so it's really disappointing that he got hurt when he did," Villarreal said. "He's the defending state champion, so it's hard to see him not at his best. It's just really bad timing."

Rio Rico sophomore Allie Schadler repeated as Division III girls champion in 18:14, with Page defeating Window Rock 68-100 to capture its third title in five years.

Corona del Sol senior Marcus Wheeler rallied to win the Division I individual crown in 15:36, holding off Mesquite's Tyler Day (15:41). It marked the second straight state championship for Corona del Sol after Nate Rodriguez won last year.

Hopi won its 25th straight boys championship, capturing the Division IV crown with a 42-104 victory over Pinon, led by individual winner Joe Adriano in 16:24.

Freshman Maya Smith won the Division IV girls title in 19:24 for Northland Prep, which ended a seven-year run for Hopi by capturing the team championship with a 37-139 victory over Scottsdale Prep.

Canyon del Oro senior Bridgette Doucette won the Division II girls title in 18:07, with Catalina Foothills edging Flagstaff 84-96 for the championship.

Salpointe Catholic's Nathan Thomas secured the Division II boys victory in 15:53. Gila Ridge posted a 99-124 win over Greenway for the team title.