The annual Classic Woodbridge Invitational Cross-Country, located in Irvine and held last weekend, is one of the best run courses attracting local runners as well as athletes from all over the state. CV Falcons were there to run this unique course that is entirely flat and loops around Woodbridge High School and track.

The course was run on Friday night and featured an all day competition for frosh and junior runners with varsity battling in the individual evening races, finalizing with the sweepstake race.

“We ran everyone in age group races and did not have anyone in the rated or sweepstakes races,” said CVHS Coach Mark Evans.

Senior Mike Duncan placed third, running a 4:59 pace and finishing at 14:57. Teammate Brandon Baum placed 25^th at 15:54 and Dylan Devens took 26^th at 15:55.

Evans was pleased with the results. “Boys were 25^th fastest of the meet with a combined team time of 77:46 with about 200 teams competing in the two-day meet,” he said. “Duncan had the 48^th fastest time of the meet at 14:57 – a big improvement from last year’s 15:16.”

Matt Williams took 60^th with Adam Akopyan following at 61^st. Aaron Esparza was fifth in 15:30 in the junior race. 
Gabe Collison was second in the sophomore race with 15:30 and Nick Beatty claimed 10th in 15:56 with Manalo coming in 13^th with 16:02. Boys sophomores were third in their race and freshmen boys were sixth in theirs.

The Falcon varsity girls were led by Cali King, eighth in 18:12, Ali Johnson, 14^th in 18:21, Brooke Moultrie, 16^th in 18:22, Hannah Ruby, 27^th in 18:34 and Mikaela Tenner 131^st in 20:23 finished fourth in their race.          

Freshman girls were led by Megan Melnyk, first with 18:45, Hayley Witzeman, fifth in 18:58, Katherine Nolte, ninth in 19:45, Amanda Burch 17^th in 20:19, Amber Bolstad, 34^th in 21:16 and McKenna Middleton 46^th in 21:49 and came in second with 61 points to winner Great Oaks 53.

Evans excitement was evident. “Freshman girls were amazing. This was a good field.”

Although the Falcons did not run in the big team races, Evans didn’t appear disappointed.

“This was one of our best days at Woodbridge. I am really impressed with how well the kids did, especially the young ones,” he said. Evans was particularly pleased of his star, freshman Megan Melnyk.

“She had a big win in a tough race against some very good teams.  Hayley was also with Megan in the front pack with 300 to go,” he said. “Just got out and kicked.”

CV faces their first league meet at Griffith Park today at 3:15 near the merry-go-round.

  Leonard Coutin