The Brea Olinda boys cross country team will look to continue its run of standout performances today at the CIF-SS Divisional Finals at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.
The Wildcats produced a team time of 76 minutes, 14 seconds at last week’s CIF-SS Division 3 prelims, moving them into third place all-time on the course.
Austin Tamagno led Brea Olinda’s effort by finishing with the county’s best individual time of the day.
“Our goal as a team is to get the Southern Section title,” Tamagno said.
Rain today could force CIF-SS officials to move the meet off the normal course and onto the flat rain course if they determine conditions to be unsafe for the runners.
Tamagno and El Modena’s Sydney Gidabuday are expected to be in contention for the individual title.
A trio of county teams will be vying for the title in Division 1: El Toro (the county’s second-fastest overall team time at prelims); Dana Hills (seeking its sixth CIF-SS title); Fountain Valley (looking to advance to the state meet for the first time).
Villa Park’s Garrett Corcoran will look to claim the Division 2 individual title, while Canyon and Tesoro will compete for the team title.
In the girls competition, Northwood’s Bethan Knights will seek an individual Division 3 title while leading the Timberwolves to the team championship.
“Being so close to achieving two of my goals that I set at the beginning of the season feels really good,” Knights said.
The season-long battle between Capistrano Valley and Trabuco Hills will highlight a strong county contingent in Division 1.
The Mustangs (90:44) had the second fastest overall team amongst all five divisions en route to winning their prelims heat, while the Cougars (91:32) also won their prelims heat.
San Clemente, Edison, Dana Hills, Los Alamitos and Marina will also compete.
Tesoro’s Amanda Gehrich will be in the mix for the individual title in Division 2.
JSerra will be seeking to win its’ fourth straight title in Division 4.
What: CIF-SS Divisional Finals
When/where: Today (first race scheduled for 7:45 a.m.), at Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut
Tickets: Adults, $10; students with current ID cards and children under 13, $5; children under 5, free.
Parking: Lot R, $10; Lots S and F, $5.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
