Gabrielle De La Rosa, Trinity Ruelas and Jessica Ruiz are three accomplished long-distance athletes that will compete for Fullerton in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track and field for the 2017-18 academic year.
Fullerton's fourth-place finish at the 2016 Big West women's cross country championship was the best placement for the Titans since 2008.
Gabrielle De La Rosa, Norwalk, Calif./Santiago Canyon College
Prior to Cal State Fullerton: Competed in both the 2015 and 2016 California community college state cross country meets…placed 10th as a sophomore in 2016…a scholar-athlete for the Hawks.
High School: A 2015 graduate of Esperanza High School in Anaheim, Calif…competed in both the 2013 and 2014 state cross country meets…helped the Aztecs place third in 2014…a member of the all-academic team in 2013…also played three years of varsity softball and was named first team all-Century League in 2014 and second team all-league in 2015.
Head Coach John Elders: "Not to use an overused cliché, but Gabby is truly a diamond in the rough. She played softball in the spring while in high school, so she didn't run track, and at Santiago Canyon College, track and field is not offered. She's very athletic, and I believe that she will blossom at this level given the opportunity to train year round. We are very much looking forward to working with her."
Trinity Ruelas, San Dimas, Calif./Bishop Amat Memorial High School
High School: Will graduate this spring from Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, Calif…most recently was the team MVP for the Lancers during cross country season and won the Del Rey League cross country championship…holds school records in the 3,200 meters (10:35.62), 1,600 meters (4:59.69) and mile…additional PRs include: 5k (17:33.60) and 3-mile (16:55.40)…Valle Vista cross country league champion in 2014…also a member of the dance team and honor roll…has trained in classical ballet and dance for 10-plus years…chose Cal State Fullerton for dance and journalism majors.
Head Coach John Elders: "Trinity is one of the top prep prospects in the state of California, and one the best runners to ever commit to Cal State Fullerton. I'm very happy to work with her; she has a great personality and is very team and goal oriented. She is very enthusiastic about becoming a Titan, and I love that. She will definitely help take our program to the next level."
Jessica Ruiz, Santa Clarita, Calif./College of the Canyons
Prior to Cal State Fullerton: Spent the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic years at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif…a two-time All-American at the state cross country meet and an All-American in 2016 at the state track meet.
High School: A 2015 graduate of Saugus High School in Saugus, Calif…as a senior was on the 2014 state cross country championship team.
Head Coach John Elders: "Jessica is a high character person who has the potential to be a team leader. She comes from one of the most successful high school programs in the state at Saugus High, and she has been one of the top community college runners in the state while at College of the Canyons. From both an athletic and leadership standpoint, she will help our team get better. I'm very happy she's decided to become part of the Titan family."
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