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 Ashley Geisler and her teammates are looking to win JSerra's fifth consecutive CIF-SS Division 4 title today at Mt. SAC.
Ashley Geisler and her teammates are looking to win JSerra’s fifth consecutive CIF-SS Division 4 title today at Mt. SAC.
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Countless miles have been run leading up to this moment.

At today’s CIF Finals at Mt. San Antonio College, the county’s top cross country runners and teams will try to complete their quests for Southern Section supremacy.

There are also coveted spots on the line for the CIF State Finals later this month in Clovis.

For many of the runners, this will be the third time they have raced on the Mt. SAC course this year. Canyon coach Patrick Bendzick says familiarity with the hills and layout of the course can be a big advantage.

“I don’t think there are any secrets to Mt. SAC,” he said. “Getting into those downhill transitions first is the key.”

Canyon’s boys team has been working to close the gap between its starting five. The Comanches, who had the best overall county time at the CIF-SS Prelims last weekend, are expected to compete with Jurupa Hills of Fontana for the Division 2 crown.

Bendzick has been pleased with the progression curve of his fifth runner, Travis Gradijan, and that could allow Canyon to push the pace in today’s race.

“We are going to run very aggressively,” Bendzick said. “It’s rare when you have the opportunity that we have in front of us. Our runners are very smart and I think they know the difference between aggressive running and foolish running.”

JSerra’s girls will be looking to win their fifth straight Division 4 title. The Lions boast an experienced lineup led by seniors Ashley Geisler, Tori Yanco and Charlotte Owen.

“Four of our top five ran on last year’s CIF championship team,” JSerra coach Marty Dugard said. “They are comfortable racing with a target on their backs. The senior girls are key. They are so cool under pressure.”

Brea Olinda’s boys (Division 3) and Capistrano Valley’s girls (Division 2), the county’s top-ranked teams, are favorites to win their titles.

Wildcats junior Austin Tamagno (rest) and Cougars senior Rebecca Deitch (hip) will run today after missing the preliminary round.

The Dana Hills boys should contest for the Division 1 championship. The Dolphins are strong at the top with Mason Coppi forming a strong 1-2 tandem with Jake Ogden, the defending Division 1 champion.