By Leonard COUTIN

The legendary Mt. SAC Cross-Country Invitational celebrated its 72nd event on Oct. 26 and set records in attendance by the number of runners in one venue with races held every 15 minutes for elementary, middle school, high school and college athletes. This year’s runners made their marks on the various types of terrain that included a large flat-loop followed by switchback up and down the hills, and a steep ascent to the back portion of the course that finished along the stadium side of the track. The world famous course has served as a platform for Southern California runners to experience the best competitive race that a three-mile course can offer.

After running one of her best races in last week’s performance in League No. 2, Atin set the pace for Race 64 at Mt. SAC. Moving out strong, she skillfully pushed the pace on the hills to finish first with a time of 18:41. Running second was Natalie Bitetti, who scored valuable points for the Falcon team, coming in fifth (19:20). Teammate Samantha Moore placed ninth (19:29) maintaining her role as a low scorer for the team. CV runner Ily Nelson placed 11th (19:32) followed by Sarah Benitez who placed 43rd in a time of 20:45.

Evans was pleased with how the Falcon girls performed.

“Overall it was a good day at Mt. SAC. The girls had one of their best races of the season. Sophia Atin ran very well to win her race. Natalie Bitetti had a great race in her first race at Mt. SAC,” said Coach Evans.

Falcon girls placed second behind Mira Costa in team standings.

The Falcon boys in Race 61 of the Team Sweepstakes – races that are for schools that have an outstanding team capable of placing a the state or CIF Southern Section championships – faced one of their most difficult races of the season. Placing 19th with a time of 15:25, Dylan Wilbur of CV performed well though this was not his fastest race of the season. Teammate Max Burton placed 42nd with a time of 15:45.

“The boys’ varsity struggled a bit but Max Burton had a great race and a big PR,” said coach Mark Evans. “In the boys’ JV championship race we were third to Great Oak and Bellarmine in a tough race. Big races came from Bryce Bitetti, Max Ruiz, Leo Bentivigna and Brandon Gonzalez. This meet will help us going into League finals on Nov. 7.”

Falcon runner Chris Cubias placed 60th running 15:59. The last points came from Jack Myers, who placed 74th (16:11) and Erik Faeustle, 77th (16:15). Rowan FitzGerald ran 105th (16:33) followed by teammate Nolan Brown, 128th (17:10).

Falcon boys placed 11th in the team standing of the race.

Pacific League finals are on Nov. 7 at Arcadia. 

  Leonard Coutin