San Marcos opened its cross country season at the Cool Breeze Invite at the Pomona Fairplex on Saturday.
Ben Callanan was the Royals’ top boys’ finisher, taking 16th overall in a time of 16:27 on the three-mile course. Ashton Johnson was 18th in 16:30.
The Royals placed 10th as a team.
“There were almost 300 runners in the boys varsity race,” said coach Marilyn Hantgin. “It was very physical. I thought our boys ran well. It was a good learning experience for everyone. It was also a very humid day. I don’t think we’ve ever run in such humidity before.”
Jared Simms, Greg Minne and Andrew Robillio rounded out San Marcos’ top-five runners.
Kiala Haas was the first girls finisher for the Royals, placing 29th overall in 20:21.
“Kiala is looking very strong and confident. I am excited for her coming off a very positive track and field season,” said Hantgin.
Colette Keller, Melina Vela, Elle Monson and Delaney Reagan rounded out the top five for the varsity girls team.
“Our girls team is very deep this season. We have girls in every grade level fighting to be on varsity. They push each other in practice to be better as individuals and as a team,” said Hantgin.
The Royals run at the Moorpark Invitational next Saturday.
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