On Saturday the boys and girls varsity cross country team dominated the Central Park Invitational, both winning first place.

Scenically located along a lake, the three mile course features asphalt, grass, dirt, and two sandy hills. According to team captain Sebastien the real struggle is the hill on mile two. “[It] hurts to walk up, much less then sprint. And the downhill is so steep that, you can only see where you end up, and not the actually slope itself,” said Sebastien in reference to the sandy hill.

The girls won with 30 points, ahead of the second place winner Yucca Mountain by 38 points. The boys won with 44 points, ahead of the second place winner Rancho Alamitos by 18 points.

Due to the SAT and possible swine-flu sickness four varsity girls runners were unable to compete along with two varsity boys runners. The sheer depth of the boys and girls teams, however, allowed both to succeed.

Despite the fact that varsity runners Ali Hummelberg, Kristina Funahasahi, Christine Light, and Allie Garret were unable to run, the girls finished with lead runners, seniors Melanie Powers and Marisa Cummings, placing first and second in 17.53 and 18.29 minutes.

On the boys side junior Austin Barvin came in first for CDM placing fifth overall with a time of 16.15 minutes. Eighth overall and coming in second for CDM, sophomore Blake Meyers finished with a time of 16.27 despite taking a wrong turn. Team captains Sebastien Welch and Sam Parks were among with those unable to race, but provided tremendous support.

The next race is the Orange County Championship on Saturday, October 17 at Irvine Park.

Other Results:
Boys Freshmen: 3rd overall
Boys Sophmore: 8th overall
Girls Fresh/Soph: 1st overall
Boys JV: 3rd overall
Girls JV: 2nd overall