The Lady Mustangs are running the distance and coming on top of the Big 8 Conference for women's cross country.

On Sept. 13, the Lady Mustangs competed at a pre-conference race in Sacramento and took first place.

With the victory the team is now ranked first in the Big 8 Conference, and second in Northern California.

"Getting more numbers to the roster, big recruiter at high schools, making every day fun, and having everyone feel like one big family," said Don Tisher, men and women's cross country coach.

This is one of the big keys to success that has helped the Mustangs.

"Blessed with good all-around kids and assistance recruiting the team, able to be blessed with kids dedicated," said Lauryn Jordan Seales, head coach of men and women's cross country teams.

This is Jordan Seales' fourth season as Head Coach and Tisher's third year coaching the Mustangs teams.

"Most definitely best season with returning sophomores and some hungry freshmen," said Jordan Seales.

Tisher said this is the best women's team he coached here.

"Top of the conference and expecting to win it, with the guidance of coach Lauryn and the assistance of coach (Colin) Hohn's speed workouts. I predict winning conference and hope to be Northern California champions," he said.

"This year this team by far looks really splendid. I think our girls have incredible talent. The performance I have been given this season been awesome," said Cicelya Wilson-Beard, a returning sophomore.

There was joy and excitement when the Lady Mustangs took first in the pre-conference race and found out the team was ranked first in the Big 8 Conference.

"We screamed with enjoyment. It was awesome," said Nicole Hoffman, a returning sophomore.

The motivation fire that keeps this team going is described by Wilson-Beard.

"Trying to get out there and compete doing the best I can against other runners," she said.

Hoffman also adds on a very important fact about running.

"Endurance. You can't go out too fast. You have to know your body and strategize to get the best results," said Hoffman.

Hoffman also has a couple of goals for herself.

"I'm hoping to win conference, place high at NorCal hopefully, first! And do even better at state," she said.