Oakdale High’s young cross country program topped some solid teams at Woodward Reservoir during their host Valley Oak League cluster meet on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The varsity boys rebounded from a rough first meet to claim a 4-3 record and even their league standing at 7-7. Erick Padilla (20 minutes, 14 seconds) and Mario Jimenez (20:22) finished 18th and 19th respectively on the 5-kilometer course.
The varsity girls finished 2-5 despite a valiant effort from Liz Erwin, who ended 16th overall with a 25:05 time. Alexandra Stogdell had a solid run at 27:40 as well.
The frosh-soph boys improved to 12-2 in league action after a 6-1 stanza Wednesday. Mike Chapin was sixth overall at 13:06 on the two-mile course.
The frosh-soph girls improved to 13-1 in the VOL after a 6-1 performance. Anna Ogden finished second overall with a 15:31 time.  Alexis Halsey (15:56) was third.
“We performed well today, but they still need to get over the hump that makes the difference between a good team and a competitive team,” Oakdale coach Guy Fowler said. “They are very close to achieving that.”