Coming off an impressive performance by all of the Oakdale cross country teams, Oakdale hit a rough patch in the Hughson Supercross. The course featured mud bogs and hay bales in the 4000 meter races. Oakdale’s James Forkner placed ninth overall for the varsity boys. The speedy senior finished the grueling course at 14:14. Other notable senior finishes were Ben Miller at 15:07 (36th) and Cesar Garcia at 16:11 (57th).

For the varsity girls Paris Thompson placed 15th with a finish of 17:27 through 4000 meters. Melanie Jericoff placed 37th at 19:07 and Taylor Aloisio placed 39th at 19:12. For the freshman and sophomore boys Tanner Cusano placed eighth at 14:46 in the 4000 meters race. Teammate Austin Bruner placed in the top 20 with a time of 15:29.

Kayden Leagan sprinted her way to a third place finish for the freshman and sophomore girls with a time of 17:01. Jazmine Martinez and Emily Takaki each finished in the top 20 for the team as well.

Two junior varsity girls finished in the top 20 for Oakdale. Juniors Alyssa Beltran and Lorena Becerra finished the race 17th and 18th, respectively.

“This is a very different race due to the fact that they have to run over hay bales and through a mud bog. The kids had fun, ran some good times and a lot of them received medals,” coach Guy Fowler said. “This was a good way for the team to bond and prepare for the upcoming league championship meet.”

Oakdale will compete on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Eagal Lakes in Tracy for the VOL Championship.