Gensel Gets Double All-American to Finish Career

Heading into this year's first CCCAA State Championship since 2019, freshman Isaac Gensel had visions of challenging for the overall titles in his two events the 1500 meters and 5000 meters. The Monterey High School graduate ran his best 1500 meter time of his Hartnell College career but was only able to get take second to top seeded Cristian Martinez of American River College. Gensel lowered his lifetime best to 3:54.25 but it would be just a little over one second short of what was needed to win the title. The consolation was the sixth best mark in Hartnell history and his first track All-American honor. In the 5000 meters, Gensel managed to place as the top Northern California runner but it was evident the earlier maximum effort took some of the sting out of his legs. He did record his fifth sub 15 minute clocking in the season in taking third at 14:55.81. Gensel concludes his 5000 meter career as the second best all-time in the event. 

Freshman Esteban Deniz will be back in 2023 and bring his valuable state meet experience this year with him. He was fifth in the 10,000 meters in 31:49.68. Deniz narrowly missed his first All-American honors finishing just off SD Mesa's Johnny Kelly 31:41.02. Deniz recruited three sub 32 minute clockings in the 10,000 meters this season. He also placed twelft in the 1500 meters. Ricky Diaz III also gained valuable championship experience placing twelfth in the 10,000 meters. 

Daniel Pantoja finished his first full track season with a seventh place in the 3k steeplechase in 9:57.83. This was his first season competing in the 3k steeplechase. Francisco Maciel finished his season with a tenth place finish. 

Sophomore Manual Gallardo threw the discus one last time as a Panther finishing eleventh with a mark of 42.01/137-10. 

As a team, the Hartnell men placed tenth out of thirty four scoring team.