CCA Ravens Cross Country

By Solenne Wachsman

Running. For some of us, it’s punishment. Then there are those that do it….willingly. On Saturday, September 24, Canyon Crest Academy’s Cross Country team participated in the Dana Hills Nike Invitational. About an hour north of San Diego, several dozen teams from Divisions One, Two and Three competed. Each division had a total of eight races, separated by both grade and gender. First, seniors raced the three mile course, followed by the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. The senior boys received third place in their race, and the sophomore boys earned second in theirs. Kelly Bernd, a CCA freshman, finished first in her race.

As former league champions, Ravens Cross Country has a challenging season ahead of them. The recent move to the Palomar League may prove to be difficult, but they are capable of rising to the challenge. Torrey Pines, Rancho Bernardo, Westview, Poway, and Mt. Carmel are also in the league. The ultimate goal of the 2012 season is both the boys’ and girls’ teams qualify for state, just as the girls’ team did last year at CIF finals.

The Cross Country team’s first league meet, against Torrey Pines will take place on Friday, October 6 at San Dieguito Park. The league meets will culminate on Saturday, November 10, at league finals at Guajome Park in Vista. Unrelated to the results of league finals, the cross country team will compete for a spot in the top three teams in San Diego county for a chance to go to CIF. On Saturday, November 17, the Cross Country Ravens has an exciting season ahead of them.