With a trip to the State Meet solidified, it was a historic day for members of the Oakdale cross country varsity squads.
The teams competed at the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Finals on Saturday, Nov. 13 at Willow Hills Reservoir in Folsom, the varsity boys claiming first place honors; the varsity girls taking second.
“Historic day for Oakdale cross country,” head coach Guy Fowler enthused. “First ever Section championship for the boys and the first time any boys and girls team qualifies for state as a team … that has never been done in Oakdale school history.”
Leading the varsity boys to the first place overall finish was junior Caleb Cavanaugh, who was also the Section champion, taking first place in the 5k race in 16:29.
He was followed by junior Dax Daley, second place, 16:30 and the Mustangs continued their strong day with senior Simon Appel, ninth, 16:56; junior Nathan Luca, 13th, 17:10; sophomore Mason Oliveira, 16th, 17:25 and, rounding out the Mustang top six, sophomore Jackson Oliveira, 19th, 17:38. Turning in solid performances ae well were sophomores Abner Gonzalez, 18:45 and Carlos Martinez, alternate.
“All eight of these boys have qualified for the California Division 3 state cross country championships,” Fowler noted.
The varsity girls had an outstanding day as well, with a second place overall finish. In the Section race, senior Haleigh Humble was fourth overall, 19:26, with teammates junior Kassidy Fmura, 10th, 20:07 and senior Hannah Beth Norman, 25th, 21:49 turning in solid efforts. Adding to the team strength were freshman Ava Calandro, 22:11; junior Karina Verduzco, 22:28; freshman Audry Scott, 22:30; junior Angelica Elizondo, 24:01; and senior Victoria Becerra, alternate.
All eight of the girls qualified to move on to the California Division 3 state cross country championships.
“Caleb Cavanaugh is the first cross country Section champion in school history,” added Fowler. “He did an amazing job out on the course. Dax Daley moved in second place overall and the return of Simon Appel from an injury helped solidify our championship. We had six boys finish in the top 20 which is remarkable!”
For the girls, Fowler said the second place finish was just as outstanding.
“Finishing second to State Championship favorite Del Oro is nothing to be upset about; they ran their hearts out,” noted Fowler. “Haleigh Humble and Hannah Beth Norman will be making their second trip to the State Championships which ties them for the most ever in school history.”
The State Championships are hosted at Woodward Park in Fresno, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 27.
“Coach Vic Moreno and I are excited for the whole team, their parents and friends and Oakdale High School and we will be going out to perform our very best in Fresno in a couple weeks,” Fowler added. “It is now back to training to get ready.”
