The Scoop: The XC Season Was Off To The Races This Weekend


* Runners compete at the ASICS Cool Breeze Invitational on Saturday in Pomona

Photo Credit: Nick DeGeorge/MileSplit


The ASICS Cool Breeze Invitational played as a season-opener for a good chunk of California schools -- 126 to be exact.

Even with the massive turnout, there were a pair of storylines on the girls side that simply stole the show. Santiago Corona (CA) junior Rylee Blade put down a commanding win in the Showcase Sundown race, defending her victory from 2022.

She made her way through the three-mile course in 16:30, a top three performance all-time on the Pomona course.

In the team race, JSerra Catholic (CA) made a statement, too, effortlessly winning the team title by 58 points over Santiago Corona, 43-101. Led by sophomore Summer Wilson (17:24.60) in second, the Lions put seven finishers in the top 20.

Underclassmen Kaylah Tasser and Reese Holley joined Wilson in the top 10, running 17:44.00 and 17:55.90, respectively. Anchored by a 1-5 split of 53 seconds and a 17:53 team average, this JSerra team is poised to be a threat once again.

Top returner Brynn Garcia did not compete, and that in itself is scary for opposing teams.