Chico State men’s cross-country ran away from the competition with a first place win at the NCAA West Region Championship in Spokane, Wash., and will head to the NCAA National Championships Nov. 23.

The team had a point total of 33. Second place Alaska-Anchorage was far behind with a point total of 81.

The ’Cats continued to make history for Chico State as they put together its first 1-2-3 finish.

Issac Chavez, Johnny Sanchez and Dayne Gradone were the first three to cross the finish line. Not far behind came Alfonso Cisneros in sixth place, then Phil Graber in 22nd. All five ’Cats earned All-West Region honors.

Also finishing for Chico State was California Collegiate Athletic Association Champion Aaron Thomas who came in 29th place. And Alex McGuirk finished 47th.

This was Chico’s second straight West Region title and the 10th in the last 12 years.

The Chico State women’s cross-country also punched its ticket the NCAA National Championships in Spokane, Wash.

It will be the women’s 14th consecutive appearance in the NCAA National Championships.

Ayla Granados, Sara Mikesell and Rebekah Barha earned All-West Region honors for a second straight season.

The ’Cats finished second with three points separating them and Alaska-Anchorage who came in first (76-79).

Freshmen Sadie Gastelum came in 26th and Haley Kroll in 30th. They completed Chico’s scoring.

Jessica Varela finished 40th for the ’Cats and Hayley Swanson came in 50th.

Sergio Sanchez can be reached at [email protected]