The men's and women's cross country teams continue to build momentum heading into the championship season, delivering strong performances at two invitational meets this past weekend. After a strong showing at the Manny Bautista Invitational, the teams split up to compete at both the Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Cross Country Invitational in Walnut, California, and the Linfield George Oja Cross Country Invitational in Independence, Oregon.
At the Mt. SAC Invitational, the women's team saw a standout performance from Kayla Haas, who placed eighth overall with a time of 20:36.8. Aliyah Thibeault also had a strong showing, finishing 33rd with a time of 22:39.3.
On the men's side, the team secured sixth place overall with a combined time of 1:57:49, averaging 23:33 per runner. Jose Rivera led the Olympians, placing 26th with a time of 22:28.7, followed closely by Eduardo Serrano in 27th place with a time of 22:31.4.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, the women placed fifth overall with a score of 172, trailing Southern Oregon (144 points), Carleton (75 points), the University of Portland (45 points), and Oregon State (42 points). Alexis Noble paced the team, finishing 22nd with a time of 22:19.90. Other notable finishes for the women included Joelle Tonne (44th, 23:16.10), Natalie Allen (47th, 23:24.20), Kate Touchet (54th, 23:30.50), and Suhey Arce (52nd, 23:29.60). Haidyn McKenzie (70th, 24:04.60) and Isabelle Moret (72nd, 24:11.10) also contributed to the team's overall score.
The men's team also placed fifth overall with a score of 159, behind the University of Portland (19 points), CCC Elite (81 points), Eastern Oregon (112 points), and Central Arizona (128 points). Alex Leroy led the men's team, finishing 32nd with a time of 25:24.90. Other notable finishes for the men included Ian Rosen (38th, 25:31.60), Ronald Way (49th, 25:46.70), Allen Malo (57th, 25:55.60), Josh Edwards (58th, 25:55.60), Garret Cloyd (59th, 25:56.90), and Luciano Roberts (61st, 25:59.50).
With the conference championships scheduled for Friday, October 25, at Victor Valley College, both teams appear to be peaking at the right time. The performances this past weekend are good indicators that both teams will once again be one of the favorites to bring home the conference crown.