Cross Country Express

Wildcat Mile on Saturday, January 23rd

2026-11-02T08:24:37.928-08:00

Registration for this year's Wildcat Mile is now open. The event will be held at Woodside HS on Saturday, January 23rd. There is early-bird pricing at $25 for adults and $16 for runners 18 and under, along with registration fees for both, available until December 1st. The prices will then go up to $27 and $18, respectively. On the day of the event, the prices will be $30 and $20, respectively.

The registration link is here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/the_wildcat_mile_2027

Catching up with Mountain View HS senior, Yuval Goldberg

2026-11-01T19:59:55.832-08:00

Today we catch up with one of the leaders on one of the top cross country teams in California, senior Yuval Goldberg of Mountain View HS. At the Woodbridge Classic, Doug Speck sweepstakes race, Goldberg led the Spartans to a 5th place team finish with a 25th individual finish with a time of 14:10.6. 5th place gave Mountain View the distinction of being the top California school trailing only nationally ranked teams, Southlake Carroll, Riverton, Herriman and Crater. A few weeks later, Mountain View won the large school sweepstakes race once again led by Goldberg who finished in 22nd place with a time of 15:15.5. He missed the majority of his junior season due to a stress fx but returned during the spring in track to finish in 5th place in the CCS 3200 final with a time of 9:16.55.

1) How did you first get involved in cross country, and what made you stick with it?
I first got involved in cross country right after middle school. I had quit soccer after playing competitively for almost 8 years, and I wanted to see how running would go because of my success in my soccer team’s three-mile time trial. I had a great time from the start and really enjoyed the team and practice, but I really think that my first Lowell - when my freshman team won the race - was what really kickstarted my love for running.

2) What do you remember about your first cross country race?
I honestly remember the atmosphere, cheering, and adrenaline the most. The nerves on the drive up, the music I played to try to “lock in” for my first race. It was honestly exhilarating, and I really think that from the moment I crossed the finish line, I knew this sport was the right one for me.

3) When did you first realize that you could become a really good runner?
I think the moment I realized that I could be fast was my first time trial with MVXC. I raced a two-mile on the track and managed to win my heat in a time of 11:26. Although it was not as fast as it felt at the time, it gave me the confidence that I could (in theory) become a really great runner.

4) What is something about you that people on other teams probably don’t know?
Honestly, I guess that I try not to be too serious at practice, always have fun, and really enjoy the time I am spending with my team.

5) What do you think has been the biggest difference between you as a freshman and you as a senior?
The biggest difference between me as a freshman and me as a senior is my mental attitude towards running. Throughout my sophomore year especially, I felt as if I was never going to have a setback, and after my stress fracture early in my junior year, I learned a lot about how to better approach the sport. I am now significantly more conscious of recovery, and I am also able to make the distinction between perfection and progress. This, I think, has served me well throughout my training, where I try to be as good as I can, not perfect.

6) Was there a particular race or workout where you felt like you made a breakthrough?
The biggest breakthrough for me was SCVAL #2 2024. I placed third in the race, behind Aydon Stefanopoulos and Dominic McMahon, but was able to beat a lot of runners I had previously only dreamed of beating. Running that 15:35 and finishing 1st for my team gave me the confidence that I could compete with the best runners in my league and section.

7) Who has had the biggest influence on you as a runner?
For sure, the people who have had the biggest influence on me as a runner have been my teammates. For me, it was the seniors on the team last year who really inspired me to work hard and brought me into the team. Whether it was morning runs before school or pushing through hard workouts, I always looked up to them not just as role models but as best friends, which kept team-oriented goals front and center in my mind.

8) What is the hardest workout you’ve ever done—and what made it so difficult?
The hardest workout I’ve done would be any hill time trial we do over the summer and winter. It is always so hard to mentally prepare yourself to go all-out up a steep hill, and it is extremely painful throughout. However, I think it prepares us to be really tough mentally, and the feeling when you finish is always awesome.

9) What part of your training do you actually enjoy the most?
I love working out the most. I think threshold and tempo work have been the most enjoyable practices for me. They remove some of the repetitiveness of easy running and truly allow you to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, as Coach Hubbs always says. I think this type of running is my strong suit, and for some reason, I always feel like the best version of myself when we do these workouts.

10) What’s one weakness in your running that you’ve worked especially hard to improve?
As a freshman, I had almost no speed. An all-out 200 for me meant running a 33, not a 27. However, since my freshman year, I have really tried to focus on proper mechanics when I run fast. Now I feel like my speed is where I want it to be. Not amazing, but good enough for me.

11) What does being a senior mean to you this season?
To me, it means it’s not only my last chance to represent my high school, but also the last time I get to toe the line with my teammates, who have made my high school experience what it is. It also makes me think about how lucky I am to have been part of such an amazing team for my four years of high school.

12) What are your goals for your final high school cross country season?
Team-wise, Mountain View is looking to make its first NXN appearance this year. Individually, all I want to do is contribute to that effort. Obviously, a sub-15:00 on both Crystal and Woodward would be amazing, but those aren’t as important to me as winning a team state title and being able to compete at NXN.

13) Is there a particular race on the schedule that you’re especially excited about?
I am most excited for the postseason (CCS + State). We have big goals, and I am super excited to get the opportunity to accomplish them while competing against the rest of California.

14) What would make you look back at your senior season and say, “That was a great year”?
Honestly, accomplishing my goals with the team this season would be the number one thing on my list. Since I know I will be running for another 4 years, I want to finish my Mountain View career with no regrets.

15) How much do you think about times and places versus simply racing well?
I always believe in the idea that if you give your best on a specific day, the time and place don’t matter. I always try to focus on the plan, execute it, and be competitive, because I think focusing on time and place leaves out the process of actually racing.

16) What makes the Mountain View boys’ team special? (West Coast XC photo)
I’m really proud of our team culture and work ethic, but most of all, our bond with one another. We make it a priority to have fun and become best friends, and that is what makes our team so close. It makes stepping on the line at any meet all the more special when you are surrounded by people you love and trust.

17) How would you describe the team’s personality?
Funny. I have never laughed harder in my life than on the bus rides to meets or during practices.

18) What is a typical hard workout like when everyone is really locked in?
It feels awesome. When everyone is having success during a certain workout, you can really feel it in the mood and atmosphere. The energy stays high, and it makes it all the more fun.

19) Who on the team pushes you the hardest in practice?
I would say that since freshman year, my teammate Deven Koppala has continued to push me in practice. He has been my training partner since 9th grade, and through all the hard workouts, we have learned not only to work together but also to lean on each other when it gets tough. Since we are both very competitive, our friendly rivalry has also enabled us to push each other even more.

20) Is there a teammate who has surprised you with how much they’ve improved?
It’s a difficult question because I believe everyone can find success and improve in the sport, but one teammate who comes to mind is Jack Gallienne, who already ran 15:18 in the 5k this season at Clovis. He really stepped up this season to fill a spot in our top 5, and I am super excited to see what he can do in the postseason.

21) What does the team do together outside of running?
Outside of running, I think we do as good a job as we can of meeting up outside of school. Although it’s difficult due to all the schoolwork, we have gone to a nearby mall, gone bowling, and gotten dinner together to bond.

22) How important is team chemistry when you’re lining up at a big championship race?
Extremely important. It’s what makes a team a team instead of 7 individuals. I think we do a great job in that aspect - we really are all best friends.

23) What’s your favorite type of cross country course?
I personally love mentally challenging courses, since they play to my strengths. Crystal Springs especially, since it has a very difficult last mile. I have always liked to think I am at my best when courses are difficult because I am great at pushing through the pain during the third mile.

24) What’s the best race you’ve ever run, and why?
I think the best race I have ever run was Woodbridge 2026. While the result honestly blew me away a bit, I was mostly proud of the way I handled the internal and external pressures of the race. I managed to stay composed, commit to the plan, and compete at my best for the first time since sophomore year at one of the biggest meets in the nation.

25) What’s a race that didn’t go the way you wanted but taught you something important?
During the 3200 at CCS finals last season, I wasn’t able to really race my best. I wasn’t able to be brave during the 5th lap and match a move that I should have, which led to a new PR but left me feeling disappointed with the result. However, the race helped me notice the final piece that I was still missing: bravery. Now, it’s the idea that I focus on most before and during my workouts and races.

26) What’s going through your head during the final mile of a close race?
Competing and trying to catch every person that I can. Especially at championship meets, thinking about my teammates always helps me find the motivation to go hunting, even when it hurts.

27) Are you a runner who likes to lead, sit back and chase, or race tactically?
I honestly prefer to sit back and chase during races. I struggle with tactical races since I am not a speed-based runner, so getting to test myself aerobically is always when I do best. This year, Woodbridge felt like one of those races where I was constantly chasing the next person ahead of me, and I think that inspired me to run fast.

28) Who are some of the toughest competitors you’ve raced against in Northern California?
In Northern California, schools like Granada, Vacaville, Jesuit, and Campolindo are always great and super strong every year. It’s going to be exciting to see who can be the top NorCal team at the state meet.

29) What has cross country taught you that has nothing to do with running?
I think cross country has taught me patience. When you continue to train while the results you want aren’t showing up, it teaches you to trust the process and be patient, as the results will come.

30) What do you think people who don’t run misunderstand about the sport?
I think people misunderstand how much of a team sport cross country is. People assume it’s all about your own individual performance, but I personally have felt it’s the complete opposite; being able to contribute to your team is the best feeling - especially when the team succeeds.

31) What advice would you give a freshman who wants to become a varsity runner?

Sleep well, fuel well, and buy into the training. I would also tell them to trust their coach and believe in the team vision and goals.

32) If you could go back and talk to your freshman-year self, what would you tell him?
To trust the training, enjoy running, and have as much fun as possible.

33) What is the hardest thing about being a good distance runner that most people don’t see?
I think a lot of people don’t see the mental aspect of racing and training. For me, I have struggled a lot with pre-race nerves, to the point that I was constantly throwing up before races. Having now overcome it through weeks of mental preparation and working with a performance coach, I have realized it really is a huge obstacle that everyone has to face at some point in their running journey.

34) When you’re hurting badly in a race, what do you tell yourself?
That it’s all going to be worth it when I cross the finish line. For me, focusing on what I will feel when I cross the line is the motivation that I need to keep going. It is always best to race with no regrets.

35) What’s something you’ve learned from running that you’ll carry with you long after high school?
I’ve learned to trust the process and the journey, and to appreciate the steps that take me to a goal more than the goal itself.

36) When you think about your last race in a Mountain View uniform, what do you hope you’ll remember?
I hope to remember all the good runs with my teammates, all the laughs, and the work that it took to get to where I was. I would want to focus on making my final race as fun and rewarding as I could - but at the same time, leave nothing on the course.

37) You have recently committed to Johns Hopkins University. What led you to make that decision?
Hopkins has an amazing running culture, which I felt mirrored a lot of the things I love at Mountain View right now. At the same time, the school is amazing academically, and I am excited to keep pushing myself there in school and in running.

Thank you very much for your time, Yuval. AJC.

NorCal League Finals Results

2026-10-31T16:36:52.659-07:00

Central Coast Section
Peninsula Athletic League at Crystal Springs
https://www.rtspt.com/events/cif/2026Meets/palxc/mp/
PCAL Championship at Toro Park
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/286608/results/all
BVAL at Crystal Springs (Live results)
https://rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/11226/events

North Coast Section
MVAL at Quarry Lakes Regional Park (Live results)
https://diablotiming.com/results/2026-11-04/

Sac-Joaquin Section
Sierra Foothill League at Jessup University
https://timerhub.com/get_web_index.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2026/sflxc/
Delta League at Jessup University
https://timerhub.com/get_web_index.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2026/deltaxc/
CVC Final at Phoenix Park
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/275382/results/all

NorCal Cross Country and Track and Field College Commitments

2026-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Farah Allen, Branson (NCS) UCLA
Hugh Heyer, McClatchy (SJS) Arizona State
Gelila Hailu, Leigh (CCS) Cal Poly SLO
Iliana Nierengarten, Castro Valley (NCS) Elon University
Ashlin Mallon, Cardinal Newman (NCS) UCLA
Josie Hill, Sonoma Academy (NCS) University of Oregon
Maya Day, Oak Ridge (SJS) Southern Utah University
Norah Feldt, Davis (SJS) Northwestern University
Eva Soto, Whitney (SJS) Stanislaus State
Hailey Sellers, Branson (NCS) Middlebury College
Kate Kozubik, Redwood (NCS) University of San Diego
Amalia Contreras, Campolindo (NCS) Santa Clara University
Yuval Goldberg, Mountain View (CCS) Johns Hopkins University
Clark Gregory, Campolindo (NCS) UC San Diego
Patrick Pinjuv, Union Mine (SJS) Cal Poly SLO
Katelyn Secrest, Davis (SJS) Cal Poly Humboldt
Hanna Shehorn, Scotts Valley (CCS) Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Matthew Ogilvie, Jesuit (SJS) Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Lily Hales-Yang, Davis (SJS) Amherst College
Ada Bielinska, Mountain View (CCS) University of California, Berkeley
Deven Koppala, Mountain View (CCS) Johns Hopkins
Brooke Oliveira, Castilleja (CCS) Yale University
Gelila Hailu, Leigh (CCS) University of California, Berkeley
Gavin Gunn, Campolindo (NCS) University of San Diego
Sivani Kaliki, Evergreen Valley (CCS) Columbia University
Maya Wastie, St. Francis, MV (CCS) University of Michigan
Landon Wariner, McClatchy (SJS) UC San Diego
Emily Bellinger, California (NCS) US Naval Academy
James Prater, Bishop O'Dowd (NCS) Cal Poly SLO
Ben Friedland, University (NCS) NYU (NEW)
Grant Bennitt, Menlo Atherton (CCS) Occidental (NEW)
Calvin Blanford, Menlo Atherton (CCS) Wesleyan University (NEW)

If you know of other runners who have already committed and publicly shared their information, please add them to the list in the comments section below.

Central Coast Section Late-Season Rankings (Boys and Girls)

2026-10-29T11:30:43.176-07:00

Here are the updated rankings before we get to the league finals starting this Saturday. If you think I missed a team and/or individual, please comment below. For the individuals, the top 5 individuals not on the qualifying teams will advance to the state meet, provided they are in the top 12 if 2 teams advance, top 14 if 3 teams advance, top 16 if 4 teams advance, top 18 if 5 teams advance, and top 20 if 6 teams advance.

BOYS Division I (Top 3 teams advance to state meet)
1. Mountain View
2. Menlo Atherton
3. Bellarmine
4. Evergreen Valley
5. Los Altos/Milpitas

Individuals
1. Evan Chopra, Menlo Atherton
2. Yuval Goldberg, Mountain View
3. Rohan Iyer Milpitas
4. Deven Koppala, Mountain View
5. Jack Gallienne, Mountain View

GIRLS Division I (Top 3 teams advance to state meet)
1. Carlmont
2. Mountain View
3. Menlo Atherton
4. Los Altos
5. Evergreen Valley/Milpitas

Individuals
1. Ada Bielinska, Mountain View
2. Katelyn Elliot, Carlmont
3. Cali Barberi, Los Altos
4. Eliana Witteles, Los Altos/Prienna Chavez, Hollister
5. Sivani Kaliki, Evergreen Valley/Caroline Pflaum, Menlo Atherton

BOYS Division II (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Piedmont Hills
2. St. Francis, MV
3. Sequoia
4. Woodside
5. Branham/Los Gatos

Individuals
1. Gabriel Saludo, Piedmont Hills
2. Hisham Mohammed, Lynbrook
3. Ved Nath, Archbishop Mitty/
4. Roger Paulson, Fremont
5. Timothy Sandholm, Leigh/Alex Garza, Branham

GIRLS Division II (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Francis, MV
2. Branham
3. Lynbrook
4. Woodside
5. Leigh/Piedmont Hills

Individuals
1. Gelila Hailu, Leigh
2. Adelyn King, Piedmont Hills
3. Brinley Pickett, St. Francis, MV
4. Gemma Cervone, Branham
5. Lucija Ivankovic, Branham

BOYS Division III (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Ignatius
2. San Mateo
3. Sacred Heart Cathedral
4. Willow Glen
5. Hillsdale

Individuals
1. Zane Stewart, Willow Glen
2. Gilbert Farnsworth, St. Ignatius
3. Ignacio Hoglund, St. Ignatius
4. Oran Brick, Sacred Heart Cathedral
5. Noah Tally, Willow Glen/Aditya Garg, Leland

GIRLS Division III (Top 2 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Ignatius
2. Sacred Heart Cathedral
3. Burlingame
4. Monta Vista
5. Willow Glen

Individuals
1. Eliot Marsh, St. Ignatius
2. Elizabeth Carroll, Burlingame
3. Kennedy Foster, St. Ignatius
4. Maya Pfalzer, Sacred Heart Cathedral
5. Bella Riesenfeld, St. Ignatius

BOYS Division IV (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Menlo
2. Aptos
3. The King's Academy
4. Mills
5. Carmel/Santa Cruz

Individuals
1. Henry Hauser, Menlo
2. Arnav Agrawal, Saratoga
3. Oliver Olbekson, Menlo
4. Sam Hansen, Aptos
5. Jasper Bolante, Carmel

GIRLS Division IV (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Aptos
2. The King's Academy
3. Archbishop Riordan
4. Menlo
5. Santa Cruz/Harker

Individuals
1. Masha Sobieski, Menlo
2. Tilden Rudolph, Soquel
3. Alivia Rivera, Marina
4. Isla Roake, Santa Cruz
5. Julie Kassel, Santa Cruz

BOYS Division V (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Crystal Springs Uplands School
2. Nueva
3. Monte Vista Christian
4. Pacific Grove
5. Latino College Prep

Individuals
1. Conrad Chern, Crystal Springs Uplands School
2. Desmond Prindiville, Woodside Priory
3. Owen Beckmen, Monte Vista Christian
4. Betinho Zunguze Pacific Grove
5. Davis Pisoni, Palma

GIRLS Division V (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Crystal Springs Uplands School
2. Woodside Priory
3. Scotts Valley
4. Castilleja
5. Pacific Grove/Nueva

Individuals
1. Brooke Oliviera, Castilleja
2. Hannah Shehorn, Scotts Valley
3. Anna Conca, Monte Vista Christian
4. Iris Paten, Pacific Collegiate
5. Hailey Shehorn, Scotts Valley

NorCal results this week

2026-10-26T20:28:21.750-07:00

DAL Center Meet #2 at Newhall Park
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/274489/results/all
Four of the top girls' teams in NCS clashed in their final league meet at Newhall Park. Las Lomas came out on top of Campolindo, Northgate, and Miramonte. Some teams did not compete at full strength. Campolindo boys dominated the field in the varsity race before we head into the post season meets. Their team time of 77:09 surpasses the course record set by the 2021 Dublin HS team.

BCL West 3 at the Polo Fields, Golden Gate Park
https://rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/102626/events
Possibly the two best Division V girls teams in the state faced each other today, with University besting Lick-Wilmerding 39-44.

For the boys, the top-ranked Division V team in the state, University, beat Convent & Stuart Hall 35-39.

NorCal results for this week

2026-10-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Flat SAC Invitational at Gibson Ranch Regional Park
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/272896/results/all

Haystack Invitational at Hayward HS
https://live.adkinstrakwest.com/meets/79525

Mt SAC Invitational at Mt. SAC
https://finishedresults.trackscoreboard.com/meets/14364/events

Clovis North Twilight Invitational at Clovis North HS
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/273393/results/all

SCVAL #3 at Baylands Park
https://lynbrooksports.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/XC/2026/scval-3.htm

WBAL #2 at Baylands Park
https://www.rtspt.com/events/cif/2026Meets/wbalxc2/mp/

PAL #3 at Bedwell Park
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/273347/results/all

Campolindo Mid-Season 3200
https://diablotiming.com/readHytek/render.php?file=261021F001.htm&dir=2026-10-21

North Coast Section Updated Rankings (October 19)

2026-10-20T14:46:28.553-07:00

Here are the updated rankings for the North Coast Section. For teams, the number of teams that qualify to the state meet are listed. For the individuals, the top 5 individuals not on the qualifying teams will advance to the state meet, provided they are in the top 12 if 2 teams advance, top 14 if 3 teams advance, top 16 if 4 teams advance, top 18 if 5 teams advance, and top 20 if 6 teams advance.

BOYS Division I (Top 2 teams advance to state meet)
1. American
2. Berkeley
3. California
4. Liberty
5. Castro Valley

Individuals
1. Evrin Wasser, American
2. Dean Philippe, American
3. Grant Philippe, American
4. Isaac Ovalle Castro Valley
5. Laksh Kamboj, Dougherty Valley/Sage Glaser, Berkeley

GIRLS Division I (Top 2 teams advance to state meet)
1. Berkeley
2. American
3. Dougherty Valley
4. California
5. Castro Valley

Individuals
1. Iliana Nierengarten, Castro Valley
2. Dakota Saenz, Berkeley
3. Emily Bellinger, California
4. Calliope Cameron, Berkeley
5. Livia Leung, Berkeley

BOYS Division II (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Granada
2. Dublin
3. San Ramon Valley
4. Monte Vista/De La Salle
5. Amador Valley

Individuals
1. Eli Hernandez, Granada
2. Alex van Veen, Granada
3. Ryan Peart, Granada
4. Rohan Kotamraju, Monte Vista
5. Gavin Shimojima, Amador Valley

GIRLS Division II (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Monte Vista
2. San Ramon Valley
3. Granada
4. Clayton Valley
5. Foothill

Individuals
1. Kaylie O'Connell, Monte Vista
2. Nadya Makarova, Monte Vista
3. Macy Mullins, Foothill
4. Ava Padilla, Monte Vista
5. Elise Bayan-Ruiz, Granada

BOYS Division III (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Campolindo
2. Maria Carrillo
3. Tamalpais/Redwood
4. Analy
5. Las Lomas

Individuals
1. Clark Gregory, Campolindo
2. Caden Ehrhorn, Campolindo
3. Cameron Jones, Maria Carrillo
4. Nikola Van Delft, Campolindo
5. Corbin Post, Windsor

GIRLS Division III (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Northgate
2. Las Lomas
3. Tamalpais
4. Campolindo
5. Redwood

Individuals
1. Autumn Tanner, San Rafael
2. Kate Kozubik, Redwood
3. Olivia Joseph, Northgate
4. Joslyn Tribbey, Maria Carrillo
5. Lorelei Fairclough, Las Lomas

BOYS Division IV (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Mary's College
2. Miramonte
3. Moreau Catholic
4. Bishop O'Dowd
5. Archie Williams/Terra Linda

Individuals
1. Djali de Chalus, St. Mary's College
2. William McMorran, Miramonte
3. Leo Berberich, Archie Williams
4. Santiago Henriquez, Moreau Catholic
5. Ryder Bullman, Eureka/Sepp Busenitz, Cardinal Newman

GIRLS Division IV (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Miramonte
2. Archie Williams
3. St. Mary's College
4. Bishop O'Dowd
5. Albany

Individuals
1. Ainsley Sullivan, Archie Williams
2. Mae Mickel, Miramonte
3. Ashlin Mallon, Cardinal Newman
4. Isabella Rodgers, Bishop O'Dowd
5. Marissa Dollard, Miramonte/Lucille Pazdan, Albany

BOYS Division V (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. University
2. Convent and Stuart Hall
3. Healdsburg
4. Marin Academy
4. College Prep
5 Branson/San Domenico

Individuals
1. Lucas Welty, Healdsburg
2. Ben Friedland, University
3. Ethan Kraska, University
4. Hugo Tao Ong, University
5. James Nielsen, San Domenico

GIRLS Division V (Top 6 teams advance to the state meet)
1. University
2. Lick-Wilmerding
3. Branson
4. Head-Royce
5. College Prep
6. Convent & Stuart Hall

Individuals
1. Farah Allen, Branson
2. Josie Hill, Sonoma Academy
3. Corinna Schlatter, St. Helena
4. Palmer Smit, University
5. Hailey Sellers, Branson

Robin Williams and Dana Carvey

2026-10-19T08:53:12.944-07:00

Some of you may know this already, but Robin Williams and Dana Carvey both competed in cross country and track and field in high school and were pretty good runners. Robin ran 1:58 in the 880 in 1969 at Redwood HS and was on the school record mile relay team that ran 3:21. Dana ran at Carlmont HS, and in 1972 at the SPAL finals on the Crystal Springs course, he finished in 8th place, running 16:00.

Catching up on results

2026-10-17T00:37:27.546-07:00

20th Annual Hughson Supercross Invitational at Hughson HS
https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/273398/results/all

Grizzly 3200 at Granite Bay HS
Results: https://milesplit.live/meets/782311
According to Doug Binder at DyeStat, St. Francis girls broke the Postal Nationals record with a time of 55:24.10 (10:53 average). The previous record was held by Boise, ID in 2021 at 55:01.8 (11:01 average).

Rough Rider Invitational at Woodward Park
Results: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/273246/results/all

WCAL 2 at Baylands Park

Results: https://rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/101526/events

SCVAL 2 at Crystal Springs Course
Results: https://lynbrooksports.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/XC/2026/scval-2.htm

Updated Northern California Team and Individual rankings (Boys & Girls)

2026-10-10T18:36:44.814-07:00

Here are the updated rankings following the conclusion of the Clovis and Serra Invitationals. Some top teams will compete next week at the Rough Rider Invitational, and I might have a few changes following that meet. In the meantime, feel free to comment below. Did I miss anybody? Who is under-ranked and should move up? Comment below.

BOYS
1) Mountain View (CCS) Division I
2) Campolindo (NCS) Division III
3) Granada (NCS) Division II
4) Vacaville (SJS) Division II
5) Jesuit (SJS) Division II
6) Menlo Atherton (CCS) Division I
7) Davis (SJS) Division I
8) University (NCS) Division V
9) American (NCS) Division I
10) Menlo (CCS) Division IV
11) Piedmont Hills (CCS) Division II
12) Dublin (NCS) Division II
13) Oak Ridge (SJS) Division I
14) Bellarmine (CCS) Division I
15) Pleasant Grove (SJS) Division I

Individuals
1) Elias Thronson Davis (SJS) Division I
2) Ty Hundley Vacaville (SJS) Division II
3) Matthew Ogilvie Jesuit (SJS) Division II
4) Eli Hernandez Granada (NCS) Division II
5) Cooper Stream Vacaville (SJS) Division II
6) Evan Chopra Menlo Atherton (CCS) Division I
7) Caden Ehrhorn Campolindo (NCS) Division III
8) Lucas Welty Healdsburg (NCS) Division V
9) Rohan Iyer Milpitas (CCS) Division I
10) Henry Hauser Menlo (CCS) Division IV
11) Ryan Peart Granada (NCS) Division II
12) Yuval Goldberg Mountain View (CCS) Division I
13) Jack Gallienne Mountain View (CCS) Division I
14) Gabriel Saludo Piedmont Hills (CCS) Division II
15) Timothy Sandholm Leigh (CCS) Division II

GIRLS
1) St. Francis, SJ (SJS) Division III
2) Monte Vista (NCS) Division II
3) Whitney (SJS) Division II
4) Oak Ridge (SJS) Division I
5) Davis (SJS) Division I
6) Mountain View (CCS) Division I
7) Los Altos (CCS) Division I
8) Northgate (NCS) Division III
9) Miramonte (NCS) Division IV
10) Pleasant Grove (SJS) Division I
11) Granada (NCS) Division II
12) St. Francis, MV (CCS) Division II
13) Branham (CCS) Division II
14) Las Lomas (NCS) Division III
15) University (NCS) Division V

Individuals
1) Alyssa Gutierrez St. Francis, SJ (SJS) Division III
2) Farah Allen Branson (NCS) Division V
3) Gelila Hailu Leigh (CCS) Division II
4) Fernanda Cortes Golden Valley (SJS) Division II
5) Kaylie O'Connell Monte Vista (NCS) Division II
6) Autumn Tanner San Rafael (NCS) Division III
7) Josie Hill Sonoma Academy (NCS) Division V
8) Ellison Williams St. Francis, SJ (SJS) Division III
9) Hanna Shehorn Scotts Valley Division V
10) Nadya Makarova Monte Vista (NCS) Division II
11) Emmy Angelo Ponderosa (SJS) Division III
12) Ada Bielinska Mountain View (CCS) Division I
13) Gemma Cervone Branham (CCS) Division II
14) Leah Krason Nevada Union (SJS) Division III
15) Maddie Goss Woodcreek (SJS) Division II

Clovis Invitational Results and Live Feed

2026-10-09T21:26:50.339-07:00

Results: https://finishedresults.trackscoreboard.com/meets/14352/events

Clovis Invitational Preview with West Coast XC

2026-10-07T10:37:10.103-07:00

You can check out the preview of the Friday championship races (me) and Saturday races (Ken Reeves) with Ken Martinez of West Coast XC in the video below. Share with your teams and teammates.

Clovis Invitational preview

2026-10-05T14:13:24.701-07:00

The divisions have been posted for Clovis. You can find them at this LINK.

Ken Martinez of West Coast XC will be posting a YouTube video before Friday with Ken Reeves and me previewing the faster races this weekend on Friday/Saturday. In the meantime, here are the teams and individuals taking part in those championship races. If you have any predictions or questions about this weekend, please use the comment section below. Who visits this blog and is competing this weekend?

Friday Championship Races (schools 1799 and under)-Listed Alphabetically by school Girls’ Teams Boys’ Teams

Archie Williams 1. Agoura
Branson 2. Chaminade
Galena, Nevada 3. Foothill Technology
La Costa Canyon 4. Galena
Miramonte 5. La Costa Canyon
Mission Viejo 6. Maria Carrillo
Oak Park 7. Menlo School
Monrovia 8. Oak Park
Moorpark 9. Oaks Christian
Point Loma 10. Ponderosa
Ponderosa 11. Reno
Reno 12. San Francisco University
San Francisco University 13. South Pasadena
Santa Margarita 14. St. John Bosco
St. Francis, CCS 15. Tahoe-Truckee
Tahoe-Truckee 16. West Torrance

Girls’ Individuals: Alpha by last name Boys’ Individuals

Lindsey Billotte, Classical Academy 1. Conrad Chern, Crystal Springs Uplands
Anna Conca, Monte Vista Christian 2. Teal Greene, Pacifica Christian
Natali Gregory, Wasco 3. Cristian Hoover, Central
Leah Krason, Nevada Union 4. Weston McGhee, Oakdale
Ashlin Mallon, Cardinal Newman 5. Ved Nath, Archbishop Mitty
Kelly McIntire, Naples American 6. Zac O’Leary, JSerra
Amelia Sarkisian, Brentwood 7. Luca Persichetti, International School of LA
Corinna Schlatter, St. Helena 8. Jack Richter, Viewpoint Saturday Championship Races (schools 1800 and above)-Listed Alphabetically by school

Girls’ teams Boys’ Teams

Beckman 1. Beckman
Buchanan 2. Claremont
Claremont 3. Crater
Clovis North 4. Crescenta Valley
Crater 5. Davis
Davis 6. Granada
El Toro 7. Hart
Great Oak 8. Jesuit
Mira Costa 9. Liberty, Bakersfield
Monte Vista, Danville 10.Mountain View
Newbury Park 11.Newbury Park
Oak Ridge 12. Redondo Union
San Clemente 13. San Clemente
Santiago, Corona 14. Trabuco Hills
St. Francis, Sacramento 15. Vacaville
Warren 16. Woodbridge

Saturday Individuals–Listed Alphabetically by last name

Girls’ Individuals: Boys’ Individuals

Emily Bell, Rancho Cucamonga 1. Thomas Barrera, La Serna
Ada Bielinski, Mountain View (CCS) 2. Blake Bay, Fresno Christian
Fernanda Cortes, Golden Valley 3. Bryan Caganap, Ayala
Gelila Hailu, Leigh 4. Adrian Cantu, Saugus
Maya Hoxie, La Serna 5. Rohan Iyer, Milpitas

Isabella Ruiz, Ontario 6. Kingsley Lin, Santa Monica
Isabella Vazquez, El Diamante 7. Derek Luna, Rio Mesa
Emily Zapata, Matilda Torres 8. William Thompson, La Serna

Central Coast Section Mid-Season rankings (teams and individuals)

2026-10-01T09:36:49.071-07:00

Here is my best attempt to rank the top teams and individuals in CCS, based on feedback from many coaches. If you think I missed a team and/or individual, please comment below. For the individuals, the top 5 individuals not on the qualifying teams will advance to the state meet, provided they are in the top 12 if 2 teams advance, top 14 if 3 teams advance, top 16 if 4 teams advance, top 18 if 5 teams advance, and top 20 if 6 teams advance.

BOYS Division I (Top 3 teams advance to state meet)
1. Mountain View
2. Menlo Atherton
3. Bellarmine
4. Evergreen Valley
5. Los Altos/Milpitas

Individuals
1. Evan Chopra, Menlo Atherton
2. Yuval Goldberg, Mountain View
3. Rohan Iyer Milpitas
4. Deven Koppala, Mountain View
5. Johann Coss, Evergreen Valley/Liam Tassa, Mountain View

GIRLS Division I (Top 3 teams advance to state meet)
1. Carlmont
2. Mountain View
3. Menlo Atherton
4. Los Altos
5. Evergreen Valley/Milpitas

Individuals
1. Ada Bielinska, Mountain View
2. Katelyn Elliot, Carlmont
3. Caroline Pflaum, Menlo Atherton/Eliana Witteles, Los Altos
4. Sivani Kaliki, Evergreen Valley/Cali Barberi, Los Altos
5. Camile Lacher, Carlmont/Prienna Chavez, Hollister

BOYS Division II (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Piedmont Hills
2. St. Francis, MV
3. Sequoia
4. Woodside
5. Branham/Los Gatos

Individuals
1. Gabriel Saludo, Piedmont Hills
2. Hisham Mohammed, Lynbrook/Ved Nath, Archbishop Mitty
3. Timothy Sandholm, Leigh
4. Alex Garza, Branham
5. Carter Helms, Branham

GIRLS Division II (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Francis, MV
2. Branham
3. Lynbrook
4. Woodside
5. Leigh/Piedmont Hills

Individuals
1. Gelila Hailu, Leigh
2. Adelyn King, Piedmont Hills
3. Brinley Pickett, St. Francis, MV
4. Gemma Cervone, Branham
5. Lucija Ivankovic, Branham

BOYS Division III (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Ignatius
2. Willow Glen
3. Sacred Heart Cathedral
4. Hillsdale
5. San Mateo

Individuals
1. Noah Tally, Willow Glen
2. Zane Stewart, Willow Glen
3. Ignacio Hoglund, St. Ignatius
4. Gilbert Farnsworth, St. Ignatius
5. Oran Brick, Sacred Heart Cathedral

GIRLS Division III (Top 2 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Ignatius
2. Sacred Heart Cathedral
3. Burlingame
4. Monta Vista
5. Willow Glen

Individuals
1. Eliot Marsh, St. Ignatius
2. Elizabeth Carroll, Burlingame
3. Kennedy Foster, St. Ignatius
4. Maya Pfalzer, Sacred Heart Cathedral
5. Bella Riesenfeld, St. Ignatius

BOYS Division IV (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Menlo
2. Aptos
3. The King's Academy
4. Mills
5. Carmel/Santa Cruz

Individuals
1. Henry Hauser, Menlo
2. Arnav Agrawal, Saratoga
3. Oliver Olbekson, Menlo
4. Sam Hansen, Aptos
5. Jasper Bolante, Carmel/Patrick Jahutka, Mills

GIRLS Division IV (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Aptos
2. Archbishop Riordan
3. Menlo
4. Harker
5. Mills/Saratoga

Individuals
1. Masha Sobieski, Menlo
2. Claire Hou, Saratoga
3. Greta Wang, Archbishop Riordan
4. Isla Roake, Santa Cruz
5. Julie Kassel, Santa Cruz

BOYS Division V (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Crystal Springs Uplands School
2. Nueva
3. Monte Vista Christian
4. Pacific Grove
5. Latino College Prep

Individuals
1. Conrad Chern, Crystal Springs Uplands School
2. Desmond Prindiville, Woodside Priory
3. Davis Pisoni, Palma
4. Owen Beckmen, Monte Vista Christian
5. Jonathan Ho, Nueva/Betinho Zunguze Pacific Grove

GIRLS Division V (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Scotts Valley
2. Crystal Springs Uplands School
3. Pacific Grove
4. Nueva
5. Castilleja

Individuals
1. Brooke Oliviera, Castilleja
2. Hannah Shehorn, Scotts Valley
3. Anna Conca, Monte Vista Christian
4. Iris Paten, Pacific Collegiate
5. Hailey Shehorn, Scotts Valley

NorCal meet results

2026-09-30T09:55:58.810-07:00

WBAL 1 at Crystal Springs Course LIVE RESULTS
Delta League Cross Country Meet #1 at Jessup University LIVE RESULTS
Campo Mid-Season Mania 1600 at Campolindo HS RESULTS
WACC Center Meet at Point Pinole Regional Park RESULTS
PSAL Preview Meet at Crystal Springs Course RESULTS
2nd Annual Bulldog Invitational at Willow Hills Reservoir RESULTS
Yreka Elks Invitational at Greenhorn Park RESULTS

North Coast Section Mid-Season rankings (teams and individuals)

2026-09-29T19:25:00.063-07:00

Here is my best attempt to rank the top teams and individuals in NCS, based on feedback from many coaches. If you think I missed a team and/or individual, please comment below. For the individuals, the top 5 individuals not on the qualifying teams will advance to the state meet, provided they are in the top 12 if 2 teams advance, top 14 if 3 teams advance, top 16 if 4 teams advance, top 18 if 5 teams advance, and top 20 if 6 teams advance.

BOYS Division I (Top 2 teams advance to state meet)
1. American
2. Berkeley
3. Liberty
4. Castro Valley
5. Dougherty Valley

Individuals
1. Evrin Wasser, American
2. Grant Philippe, American
3. Isaac Ovalle Castro Valley
4. Dean Philippe, American
5. Laksh Kamboj, Dougherty Valley/Sage Glaser, Berkeley

GIRLS Division I (Top 2 teams advance to state meet)
1. Berkeley
2. American
3. Dougherty Valley
4. California
5. Castro Valley

Individuals
1. Emily Bellinger, California
2. Iliana Nierengarten, Castro Valley
3. Dakota Saenz, Berkeley
4. Calliope Cameron, Berkeley
5. Phoebe Luo, American/Livia Leung, Berkeley

BOYS Division II (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Granada
2. Dublin
3. San Ramon Valley
4. Amador Valley
5. De La Salle/Monte Vista

Individuals
1. Eli Hernandez, Granada
2. Alex van Veen, Granada
3. Max van Veen, Granada
4. Lucas Lipman, Dublin
5. Gavin Shimojima, Amador Valley

GIRLS Division II (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Monte Vista
2. San Ramon Valley
3. Granada
4. Clayton Valley
5. Foothill

Individuals
1. Kaylie O'Connell, Monte Vista
2. Nadya Makarova, Monte Vista
3. Macy Mullins, Foothill
4. Elise Bayan-Ruiz, Granada
5. Ava Padilla, Monte Vista/Sade Bumpus, Granada

BOYS Division III (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Campolindo
2. Maria Carrillo
3. Tamalpais/Redwood
4. Analy
5. Las Lomas

Individuals
1. Caden Ehrhorn, Campolindo
2. Cameron Jones, Maria Carrillo
3. Nikola Van Delft, Campolindo
4. Clark Gregory, Campolindo/Corbin Post, Windsor
5. Gavin Gunn, Campolindo/Oliver Bush, Redwood

GIRLS Division III (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Northgate
2. Las Lomas
3. Tamalpais
4. Campolindo
5. Redwood

Individuals
1. Autumn Tanner, San Rafael
2. Kate Kozubik, Redwood
3. Olivia Joseph, Northgate
4. Joslyn Tribbey, Maria Carrillo
5. Lorelei Fairclough, Las Lomas

BOYS Division IV (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. St. Mary's College
2. Miramonte
3. Archie Williams
4. Moreau Catholic
5. Terra Linda

Individuals
1. Djali de Chalus, St. Mary's College
2. William McMorran, Miramonte
3. Leo Berberich, Archie Williams
4. Santiago Henriquez, Moreau Catholic
5. Chandler Mar, Archie Williams

GIRLS Division IV (Top 3 teams advance to the state meet)
1. Miramonte
2. Archie Williams
3. St. Mary's College
4. Albany
5. Bishop O'Dowd

Individuals
1. Ainsley Sullivan, Archie Williams
2. Mae Mickel, Miramonte
3. Marissa Dollard, Miramonte
4. Lucille Pazdan, Albany
5. Sonia Berberich, Archie Williams

BOYS Division V (Top 4 teams advance to the state meet)
1. University
2. Healdsburg
3. Convent and Stuart Hall
4. Branson/Sonoma Academy
5. College Prep/Bay School

Individuals
1. Ben Friedland, University
2. Lucas Welty, Healdsburg
3. Ethan Kraska, University
4. Reese Terrell, Convent & Stuart Hall
5. Vivek Narottem, University

GIRLS Division V (Top 6 teams advance to the state meet)
1. University
2. Lick-Wilmerding
3. Branson
4. Head-Royce
5. Sonoma Academy
6. College Prep/Convent & Stuart Hall

Individuals
1. Farah Allen, Branson
2. Josie Hill, Sonoma Academy
3. Palmer Smit, University
4. Corinna Schlatter, St. Helena
5. Hailey Sellers, Branson

NCS Division V Late-September Rankings by Walfred Solorzano

2026-09-27T09:03:04.459-07:00

BOYS Division V Team Rankings (Top 4 Teams Qualify to State)

1. San Francisco University - The Red Devils are still the overwhelming favorites to win back-to-back State Championships and three consecutive section titles. Senior Ben Friedland, two-time section champion, opened up the season with 14:41 at Woodbridge this past weekend. His teammate Ethan Kraska, will be challenging Ben for the individual title and opened up at 14:49 at Woodbridge. The duo has plenty of depth with Vivek Narottam, Hugo Tao Ong, Mateo Moretti, Charlie Kost, and freshman Kai Roy.

2. Healdsburg - The Greyhounds had a breakout year and have now established themselves as a team to challenge for a state podium spot. The team finished behind St. Margaret’s (SS No. 1) and ahead of Viewpoint (SS No.3) in its heat at Woodbridge. Lucas Welty is another runner to watch for the individual title as he ran 14:42. Lucas will be supported by 800m breakout star Phoenix de Maria Nall, along with Domenico Cornilsen, Jack Beckman, and first-year runner Kevin Suazo.

3. Stuart Hall - The Knights have another strong squad led by senior Reese Terrell. The team has improved at State the past two years going from 11th to 6th place and have a strong five that has an outside chance for a podium spot at State as they did beat Healdsburg all last year. The Knights have a strong pack with JJ Garg, Edward Fontaine, Sabry Bowden, and Jack Lynch. They all had an excellent showing at BCL West No. 1 and at the Ram Invitational.

4. The Bay School/College Prep - It is going to be a wild finish at NCS for the last qualifying spot to State. The boys of The Bay School are still seeking their first-ever team berth at the state championships. The Breakers finished second this past Saturday at the Be the G.OA.T. XC Invitational with junior Gordon Tan clocking in the fastest time of the meet. The Breakers will have XC state qualifier Matthew Gatz-Levine and junior Blaise Pascal. College Prep just finished with a league win at BCL East No. 1. While Bay may have a stronger trio up top, the Cougars have a deeper squad and a good history of running well at NCS. Their top five are Noha Petajisto, Alejandro Benito, Andrew Martinovsky, Zane Vingus, and Aiden Fong. With that being stated, both Sonoma Academy and Head-Royce can very well claim that last trip to Fresno.

Individual Rankings

1. Ben Friedland (San Francisco University)

2. Lucas Welty (Healdsburg)

3. Ethan Kraska (San Francisco University)

4. Reese Terrell (Stuart Hall)

5. Vivek Narottam (San Francisco University)

6. Hugo Tao Ong (San Francisco University)

7. James Nielsen (San Domenico)

GIRLS Division V Team Rankings (Top 6 Teams Qualify to State)

NCS is easily by far the strongest section in State Division 5 and the top three teams will be vying to win the State Championship at the end of the year. The difference will probably be the improvement of 9th grade or first year runners throughout the season.

1. San Francisco University -It was a very tight battle at the end of last season between University and Lick. This year should be no different. The Red Devils are led by junior Palmer Smit, who ran 17:01 at the Woodbridge Invitational, and is proving to be one of the top Division 5 runners in the State. Grace Tompkins-Pettigrew leads the rest of the deep squad, and is now being joined by two freshmen up at the top. Sienna Trujillo and Emily Simon have already improved a lot from early on this season. Anabel Laughlin should complete the team scoring. She has had an excellent season thus far and is the best no. 5 runner in the State.

2. Lick-Wilmerding - The Tigers are being led by the duo of Caroline Chang and Ella Adam-Teoh. They both had great season openers at BCL West No.1 and will be supported by the freshmen duo of Chloe Ong and Stella Hahn. Both girls were just above 19 minutes at BCL West No. 1 and may improve dramatically by the end of the year. The top 5 are rounded off by sophomore Ainsley King, who has already improved from last season.

3. Branson - The Bulls have the best trio in the state with State medalist Farah Allen, Hailey Sellers, and Maya Gidney. Allen will be looking to win the Division 5 State Champion from a very competitive group. Freshman Harper Gidney adds another dimension to the team. She had a great high school opener at the Ram Invitational as she finished 4th in the varsity race. We will wait and see the development of their no. 5 runner. Branson could win it all at the end.

4. Head-Royce - Things become more nebulous after the top three teams. Senior Emma Singh had an excellent debut by winning the Jim Tracy Challenge. She has yet to race again but in the meantime her teammates Maya Smith and the much improved Sasha Lujan Waisberg had a great showing at BCL East No. 1. Emalia Frank brings added depth but was missing, along with Singh, at BCL East No.1. This team will surely win a spot to state if they put it all together at the end of the season.

5. College Prep - Junior Sophie Martin is hoping to lead the Cougars to another trip to the State Championships. The team beat Head-Royce at BCL East No. 1 but as mentioned, the Jayhawks were without two of their top 5 runners. The trio of Enna Gerking, Sophie Downs, and freshman Tegan Pukdeedamrongrit have been showing solid performances. And once again, the common theme will be how their No. 5 runner develops.

6. Convent - Before we begin, The Bay School and Sonoma Academy will be looking to take a trip to Fresno and may take over the no. 6 spot later in the season. Convent had an excellent showing at BCL No. 1. Although they barely lost to They Bay School due to the head-to-head scoring format, they have a slight edge in championship scoring. The Cubs are still waiting for the possible debut of Juliet Sugar, who can possibly be their top scorer. In the meantime they have a solid four of Annette Moore, Isabel Ames, Aliyah Campbell, and Pauline Currier.,

Individual Rankings

1. Farah Allen (Branson)

2. Josie Hill (Sonoma Academy)

3. Palmer Smit (San Francisco University

4. Corrina Schlatter (St. Helena)

5. Hailey Sellers (Branson)

6. Emma Singh (Head-Royce)

7. Maya Smith (Head-Royce)

SJS Rankings - updated as of Sept 19th by Mike Carroll

2026-09-24T14:09:43.746-07:00

Been two weeks since last SJS rankings, so here we go for after Sept 18th local meets + Woodbridge Invite.

Boys' Overall
1 Jesuit
2. Vacaville
3. Davis
4. Oak Ridge
5. Ponderosa
6. Bella Vista
7. Oakdale
8. McClatchy
9. Vista Del Lago
10 (tie). Atwater/Golden Valley

To show how close Jesuit and Vacaville were they were less than 10 points apart in the Woodbridge Sweepstake race with 35+ teams, with Jesuit (20th) just in front of Vacaville (21st). They will probably next meet at Clovis Invite but the boys Section D2 finals should be one of the closest in recent years. With Davis securing the varsity boys victory at the prestigious De La Salle Nike Invitational against some decent Northern California squads they are ranked in front of Oak Ridge. After a disappointing meet at Woodbridge, the Oak Ridge boys team will possibly face Davis at Clovis Invite, but not sure if both teams will make the Clovis championship race.

Ponderosa moves up as a result of their unexpected success in a non-seeded race at Woodbridge, but if they are to do well at State champs they need to find a good #5 runner and reduce that 1-5 gap of 1:30.

Oakdale usually starts late and secured a solid result behind Jesuit and Bella Vista at the Kim Duyst Invite, led by Weston McGhee. Vista Del Lago, Atwater and Golden Valley all competed at Kim Duyst and finished within 20 points of each other with Vista Del Lago finishing ahead of the others. It should be an exciting D2 Section finals as these 3 teams battle for that last 4th qualifying spot for state finals.

McClatchy has not placed well lately but their 1-2 runners (Heyer and Warriner) have not competed since Sierra Invite and they would have finished higher at Woodbridge and Lowell if they had raced. Going to leave them at #8 until they find out if they are injured or not. Del Oro and Pleasant Grove have both looked sharp early in the season, but didn't have a good result at Kim Duyst and dropped out of top 10. Hopefully this is not a result of peaking too early. West Campus and Hughson are the strongest from the smaller schools after Christian Brothers didn't do well at Woodbridge.

D1
1. Davis
2. Oak Ridge
3. McClatchy
4. Pleasant Grove
5. Folsom

D2
1. Vacaville
2. Jesuit
3. Bella Vista
4. Vista Del Lago
5. Atwater/Golden Valley

D3
1. Ponderosa
2. Oakdale
3. Del Oro
3. Beyer
4. Kimball

D4
1. West Campus
2. Hughson
3. Sonora
4. Union Mine
5. Galt

D5
1. Westlake Charter
2 Argonaut
3. Bradshaw Christian
4. Vacaville Christian
5. Waterford

Girls' Overall:
1. St Francis
2. Oak Ridge
3. Davis
4. Whitney
5. Golden Valley
6. Oakdale
7. Ponderosa
8. Pleasant Grove
9. Rio Americano
10. Granite Bay

St Francis did well at Woodbridge against Southern California teams and continued the grind this weekend when they traveled to Oregon to compete at the Nike Portland Invitational in hopes to increase their chances with an NXN at-large berth. Despite losing their top 2 runners to graduation and transfer, Oak Ridge girls improved upon last year's results at Woodbridge. Davis girls took the win at Nike De La Salle, matching the boys, but with a 1-5 team spread around 1:30 they will need to improve if they are to repeat at D1 section champs and a top result at state.

Whitney top 4 looked sharp at the Sierra Foothill League's 1st meet, even though some teams were saving something for Woodbridge. But with their 5th runner 2:00 behind their 1st, they have a hard time hitting the podium at state champs.

Golden Valley ran well behind St Francis at Kim Duyst, and Oakdale had a strong debut just behind Golden Valley. Ponderosa girls probably would have gotten the win at the Frogtown Invite but their 1-2, the Angelo sisters, were running down in Woodbridge. So Pleasant Grove girls ended up getting the win at Frogtown.

Rio Americano had a good result at Woodbridge and will battle with Granite Bay and Vacaville for the final 2 D2 section spots. Granite Bay moves up to #10 after a solid effort from their #1 Maddie Truppa in the deep SFL. Vacaville and Christian Brothers drop out of rankings after below-average performances at Woodbridge.

D1.
1. Oak Ridge
2. Davis
3. Pleasant Grove
4. Lincoln-Stockton
5. Turlock

D2.
1. Whitney
2. Golden Valley
3. Rio Americano
4. Granite Bay
5. Vacaville

D3.
1. St Francis
2. Oakdale
3. Ponderosa
4. Del Oro
5. Lathrop

D4.
1. Placer
2. Hughson
3. El Dorado
4. Christian Brothers
5. Hughson

D5.
1. Westlake Charter
2. Ripon Christian
3. Bret Hart
4. Argonaut
5. Foresthill

New NCS proposal to change MOC format to a one day meet

2026-09-24T06:56:39.342-07:00

Some of you may have heard about this already, but NCS is voting on a proposed change to the Meet of Champions to a different format than the current 2-day format that has been in place for many years. You can check out the proposal at this LINK on page 23. The NCS Board of Managers will meet next week, and if passed, the measure will be implemented immediately. The proposal is to have the 4 x 800s and unified races on Friday and then the running events on Saturday in two timed final heats for each event. Thanks to Gus Morris of the Press Democrat for updating this news on Twitter.

Thoughts about this proposed change?

Top 15 NorCal Individuals (Boys and Girls)

2026-09-23T14:34:22.319-07:00

BOYS
1) Henry Hauser 12 Menlo (CCS) Division IV
2) Elias Thronson 11 Davis (SJS) Division I
3) Matthew Ogilvie 12 Jesuit (SJS) Division II
4) Yuval Goldberg 12 Mountain View (CCS) Division I
5) Evan Chopra 12 Menlo Atherton (CCS) Division I
6) Rohan Iyer 11 Milpitas (CCS) Division I
7) Cooper Stream 12 Vacaville (SJS) Division II
8) Deven Koppala 12 Mountain View (CCS) Division I
9) Cameron Jones 12 Maria Carrillo (NCS) Division III
10) Caden Ehrhorn 11 Campolindo (NCS) Division III
11) Eli Hernandez 9 Granada (NCS) Division II
12) Conrad Chern 12 Crystal Springs Uplands (CCS) Division V
13) Desmond Prindiville 9 Woodside Priory (CCS) Division V
14) Djali de Chalus 12 St. Mary's College (NCS) Division IV
15) Liam Tassa 10 Mountain View (CCS) Division I

GIRLS
1) Alyssa Gutierrez 10 St. Francis, SJ (SJS) Division III
2) Farah Allen 12 Branson (NCS) Division V
3) Kaylie O'Connell 11 Monte Vista (NCS) Division II
4) Gelila Hailu 12 Leigh (CCS) Division II
5) Autumn Tanner 12 San Rafael (NCS) Division III
6) Fernanda Cortes 12 Golden Valley (SJS) Division II
7) Josie Hill 12 Sonoma Academy (NCS) Division V
8) Nadya Makarova 11 Monte Vista (NCS) Division II
9) Emmy Angelo 12 Ponderosa (SJS) Division III
10) Ada Beilinska 12 Mountain View (CCS) Division I
10) Hannah Shehorn 12 Scotts Valley (CCS) Division V
11) Ellison Williams 11 St. Francis, SJ (CCS) Division III
12) Maddie Goss 11 Woodcreek (SJS) Division II
13) Brinley Pickett 12 St. Francis, MV (CCS) Division II
14) Olivia Joseph 12 Northgate (NCS) Division III
15) Eliana Wittles 11 Los Altos (CCS) Division I

Feel free to comment on the two lists above and if I missed anybody. Who should move up?

Coming up this week...

2026-09-22T05:25:12.700-07:00

Wednesday WCAL 1 at Golden Gate Fields (CCS) LIVE RESULTS
Wednesday Diablo Athletic League Meet #1 at Hidden Valley Park (NCS) RESULTS
Wednesday, SCVAL #1 at Baylands Park (CCS) RESULTS
Wednesday, BCL East #1 at Joaquin Miller Park RESULTS
Thursday, CCAA-MVL at Lodi Lakes LIVE RESULTS
Thursday, TCAL Center Meet at Point Pinole RESULTS
Saturday Be The GOAT Invitational at Pinole Trails (NCS)
Saturday Clam Beach Invitational at Clam Beach State Park (NO)
Saturday Foothill Small School Invitationalat Foothill HS (SJS)
Saturday Gold Mine Invitational at Railhead Park (SJS)
Saturday King City Invitational at San Lorenzo County Park (CCS)
Saturday Monterey Bay Invitational at Toro Park (CCS) RESULTS
Saturday Ram Invitational at Westmoor HS (CCS) RESULTS
Saturday Scott Bauhs Invitational at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park (NCS) RESULTS
Saturday Truckee Invitational at Ponderosa Golf Course (SJS)
Saturday Nike Portland XC at Blue Lake Regional Park RESULTS

Top NorCal DTeams/Individuals at Woodbridge

2026-09-20T19:47:25.592-07:00

Boys' Teams
1) Mountain View 1:12:44
2) Granada 1:13:16
3) University 1:14:27
4) Jesuit 1:14:30
5) Menlo 1:14:34
6) Vacaville 1:14:41
7) Menlo Atherton 1:15:01
8) Piedmont Hills 1:16:13
9) Sequoia 1:16:56
10) St. Mary's College 1:16:57

Girls' Teams
1) St. Francis, SJ 1:25:15
2) Monte Vista 1:27:51
3) Carlmont 1:28:52
4) Oak Ridge 1:29:28
5) St. Francis, SJ (B Team) 1:29:29
6) Mountain View 1:30:11
7) Menlo Atherton 1:31:04
8) Redwood 1:31:15
9) University 1:31:37
10) San Ramon Valley 1:32:26

Boys' Individuals
1) Henry Hauser Menlo 12 14:02.8
2) Matthew Ogilvie Jesuit 12 14:09.8
3) Yuval Goldberg Mountain View 12 14:10.6
4) Evan Chopra Menlo Atherton 12 14:12.9
5) Rohan Iyer Milpitas 11 14:15.7
6) Cooper Stream Vacaville 12 14:16.3
7) Deven Koppala Mountain View 12 14:18.2
8) Eli Hernandez Granada 9 14:18.4
9) Djali de Chalus St. Mary's College 12 14:26.5
10) Liam Tassa Mountain View 10 14:29.5

Girls' Individuals
1) Alyssa Gutierrez St. Francis, SJ 10 16:08.0
2) Farah Allen Branson 12 16:20.0
3) Kaylie O'Connell Monte Vista 11 16:32.9
4) Gelila Hailu Leigh 12 16:34.8
5) Fernanda Cortes Golden Valley 12 16:39.3
6) Nadya Makarova Monte Vista 11 16:39.5
7) Emmy Angelo Ponderosa 12 16:45.4
8) Ada Bielinska Mountain View 12 16:48.9
9) Ellison Williams St. Francis SJ 11 16:52.3
10) Maddie Goss Woodcreek 11 16:54.4

Top NorCal performances from this weekend

2026-09-20T07:16:55.275-07:00

With Woodbridge in our hindsight mirror, the cross country season had its first notable weekend, with many teams and individuals revving their engines for the first time this season. Here are some of the more notable results and standout efforts from the following invitationals.

From the De La Salle Invitational
In the girls' varsity race, San Rafael senior Autumn Tanner won her second race of the season with a time of 17:13.7 over Sonoma Academy senior Josie Hill (17:28.8). The Newhall Park course runs about the same as the Woodward Park course, which gives you an idea about the times for those two girls. San Rafael resides in Division III, which puts Tanner among the top runners in the state in that division. Hill will compete in Division V and will also be a contender at state in that division after finishing in the top 10 last season. Tanner's time is the 5th fastest time run in DLS Invite history.

Team-wise, Davis came out on top following their 3rd place finish at their first league meet this past Wednesday behind nationally ranked St. Francis, SJ, and Whitney. Los Altos edged out the now formidable Miramonte team that will be favored to take the NCS Division IV crown.

For the boys, Davis junior Elias Thronson led from the gun and dominated the field with a sub-15 effort (14:55.7) over Crystal Springs Uplands senior Conrad Chern (15:27.2). Thronson led his Bluedevil teammates to the team victory over Dublin running the 5th fastest time in the race's history. Woodside Priory freshman Desmond Prindiville continued his impressive high school debut, finishing within 3 seconds of Chern. Both runners reside in the WBAL as well as Division V at the section and state levels. Branham finished in a competitive 3rd behind Davis and Dublin and will be among the top teams in the Section in Division II.

From Farmer Invitational (NCS course)
In the girls' varsity race. Menlo freshman Masha Sobieski was the winner with a time of 17:39.8 over 2nd place finisher, Maya Smith of Head Royce (17:42.9). Teamwise, Northgate was the winner led by 4th place finisher, Olivia Joseph (18:09.7). Berkeley edged Lynbrook for 2nd with the 6 man tiebreaker.

For the boys, Lynbrook senior Hisham Mohammed edged Moreau Catholic's Santiago Henriquez 15:07.2 to 15:07.5. Berkeley was the team winner at 82 points over 2nd place finisher Lynbrook with 95.

From the Woodbridge Classic
Lots to unwind here, and we will start with the Sweepstakes races. For the girls, the St. Francis SJ girls finished in 5th place as the 2nd-fastest California team, just ahead of another nationally ranked team, Buchanan. The Troubadours were led by sophomore Alyssa Gutierrez, who, after leading at the gun, finished in 7th place with a time of 16:08.0. The next fastest NorCal runner was Branson senior Farah Allen, who finished 12th overall with a time of 16:20.0. Monte Vista's top 2 runners (Kaylie O'Connell and Nadya Makarova) finished in 23rd and 31st, respectively. Leigh senior Gelila Hailu finished in 25th place with a time of 16:34.8.

In the boys' sweepstakes race, the Mountain View team finished in 5th place as the top California team. They were led by senior Yuval Goldberg, who finished in 25th place with a time of 14:10.6. Granada finished an impressive 7th place after being in 4th place at the 2 mile mark. The top NorCal individual was Menlo senior Henry Hauser (13th at 14:02.8). Jesuit's Matthew Ogilvie was the next individual with a 25th place finish and a final time of 14:09.8. Milpitas junor Rohan Iyer finished in 28th place (14:15.7) just in front of defending Division II state champion, Cooper Stream of Vacaville (14:16.3). Mountain View's 2nd runner, Deven Koppola finished in 35th place (14:18.2). Impressive Granada freshman Eli Hernandez was next in 36th place with a time of 14:18.4).

In the girls' rated race, Fernanda Cortes of Golden Valley was the individual winner at 16:39.3. Emmy Angelo of Ponderosa was in 3rd at 16:45.4. The Carlmont girls finished in 2nd place as a team, led by senior Katelyn Elliott and her 8th place finish (16:56.9).

In the boys' rated race. Menlo Atherton senior Evan Chopra continued his undefeated season, winning this race in a time of 14:12.9. The Bears finished in 2nd place behind Liberty of Bakersfield.

Other notable performances
Bella Vista swept the Tom Laythe Invitational. Bella Vista's Calvin Fear and Julia Thomas were the individual winners, respectively. At the 9th Annual Eye Opener, the fastest times of the day were posted by Piner senior Kamila Olvera at 18:15.0 and Casa Grande junior Matthew Lindeman (15:29.69). At the 3rd annual Tom Leikam Invitational, Hollister was the boys' varsity team winner. Individually, Aptos senior Sam Hansen won in a time of 15:11.89. For the girls, Santa Cruz was the team winner. Scotts Valley senior Hanna Shehorn was the individual winner with a time of 17:13.46.

De La Salle Invitational Meet Preview by Sonoma Academy coach, Chris Puppione

2026-09-17T12:42:56.800-07:00

You can check out his meet preview at this LINK. Live results will be posted at this LINK.

If you want to check out other posts by Coach Puppione which are super informational, go to this LINK.

Feel free to comment below if you plan on racing, attending, or cheering from afar.