After the conclusion of the Trans-Valley League Finals on Oct. 29, the Escalon cross country team set its sights on the Sub-Section race, the qualifying meet for Sections and then State.

Head coach Arend Jones reports that on Saturday, Nov. 8, the Cougars had a great day at the Calaveras Fairgrounds, many of the athletes either achieved a personal record or a season best time.

Sophomore, Vivienne Harp, was the first Cougar to race and she ran alone as the only Escalon representative in the frosh/soph two-mile race.

“She ran a very respectable time of 19:00,” Jones said. “Right after, the boys Junior Varsity race was held, and freshman Alden Schultz was the first to finish for Escalon, completing the three-mile course in 21:51 and placing in the top half of the race.”

That race was followed by the girls JV race, junior Amanda Mortenson finished with a time of 29:48 and was the first Cougar to qualify for Sections. Also, senior Cecilia Lechuga qualified for Sections running a time of 31:24.

In the boys Varsity race, sophomore Alexander Girardi was the first to finish for Escalon, completing the race in 19:25 and sophomore Ethan Young was close on his heels with a time of 19:34, both finishing in the top half of the race. Finally, in the girls Varsity race, junior Victoria Calderon finished first for Escalon with a time of 22:55, placing in the top third of the race and qualifying for Sections.

The Section meet will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Folsom High School, Willow Hills Park contingent on weather conditions.