Flores Ranks #1 in State 3000m & 5000m, #3 in 1500m

by Cerwin D Haynes

It may seem like we can't get enough of sophomore Marbella Flores. The truth is that the East LA native can't get enough of owning the racepaths, be it dirt or paved.

Flores continues to translate her fall success on the trails into the spring on the track.

• She picked up two more wins last month at the CSU Los Angeles Invitational. She took first in the Women's 1500m and 3000m races, upping her total race wins to six on the season.
• At last week's Beach Invitational (Cal State Long Beach), she won her heat in the 5000m. She had the fifth-best time overall, an excellent achievement considering that the four runners ahead of her were NCAA Division 1 and 2 athletes.

She is currently ranked #1 in the state in 3000m and 5000m times. She also moved up one spot from last month's ranking in the 1500m to #3.

Head Coach Milton Browne knew back in the fall that the hard work Flores put in last year would power her during cross country season. And now that same hard work is the reason for her speedy spring performaces so far. In fact, he believes Flores has another gear she can reach as South Coast Conference and SoCal races approach the horizon. 

"She ran a 17:36 at [CSU] Long Beach," says coach. "We think we can get her to 16:00."

The top runner in that 5000m, Northern Michigan University's Madi Szymanski, ran a 16:58. If Flores can approach 16:00, not only could she notch a state title, but boost her stock even higher amongst the NCAA D1s and 2s that are already looking to offer her scholarships.

UP NEXT:

Flores and company have this weekend off to prep for the stretch run of the season. They'll be at El Camino next Tuesday and Saturday for the SCC Prelims and Finals, respectively. The Huskies will be looking to see how many can qualify for the SoCal Regionals next month.