Cross Country debuts talent at Woodbridge Invitational

By Isabel Barbera and Olivia Chiu

Tiger Staff

Photos by Hana Tyszka

The SPHS varsity cross country team ran its first season race at the Woodbridge Invitational in Orange County Great Park with the boys’ team securing fifth place in its division of 22, and the girls’ securing seventh out of 21. Woodbridge is the second largest race the Tigers will compete in this season, with approximately 300 competing teams and over 6,500 athletes. It attracts high schools of ranging divisions from across the state of California.

Girls’ varsity front-runner and senior Emily Ye achieved a personal best time of 18 minutes and 33 seconds, individually placing seventh out of 154 girls and first for the team. Senior Maaike Wielenga followed not far behind with a time of 19 minutes and 42 seconds – placing 46th overall. Sophomore Bailey Wu (20:00, 55th), senior Fiona Bock (20:32, 74th), and senior Briana Nunez (20:33, 75th) finished third, fourth and fifth, earning the remaining points for the ranking.

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Boys’ varsity performed admirably as well. Junior Kieran Press-Reynolds led the group with a time of 15:38 and individual place of tenth of 150. Sophomore Oliver Chang came second in the team at 15:54 and placed 22nd overall. Junior Jaehyung Choi (16:21, 35th), sophomore Ben Clark (16:33, 46th) and freshman Francesco Fortunelli (16:42, 62nd) also finished within the top five for South Pasadena.

“I have never seen the team more dedicated or energized,” senior Raymond Gilmartin said. “Everyone is stepping up, and with our performance at Woodbridge the season is looking good!”

The Tigers are preparing to run their first league meet of the season, which is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 23 at Crescenta Valley Park in La Crescenta.