For over 3 decades, the annual Ed Sias Invitational has kicked off the prep cross country season in the Bay Area, and this year promises to be another exciting edition featuring plenty of competitive races. As usual, the rugged 2-mile course at Hidden Valley Park will test competitors throughout, with “Finale Hill” greeting racers towards the end of the course.
Here is a preview of the 4 marquee varsity races that will be contested on Saturday:
Boys’ Varsity Small School: 2-time defending Ed Sias champions Campolindo will look to make it 3 in a row as the Cougars face off against Strong teams from Maria Carrillo and Bishop O’Dowd. Carrillo is led by Jack Wilson, who appears primed for a strong performance based on some fine early-season racing. O’Dowd features the duo of Lyle Phillips and Ennio Eilenberg, who will also challenge for the individual win.
Strong teams from Miramonte and St. Ignatius fill out the contenders, with Miramonte’s Logan Letulle leading the way for the matadors. Xander Schulte-Sasse of Piedmont will also be in the mix for the individual win, in what should be a thrilling battle that may come down to who can summit the daunting “Finale Hill” the quickest.
Mallon is the daughter of the legendary Julia Stamps, one of the greatest distance runners in the history of California, and has flashed loads of potential during the past year of USATF junior competition. Of course, the competition will be even greater now as Volkmer and Searls are two of the top athletes in the entire state.
Team-wise, the race will feature 3-time defending CIF DIII state champions Campolindo matching up against a strong squad from Maria Carrillo. “Campo” returns the bulk of their Nike Cross Nationals qualifying team from a year ago, with Kate Kabenina, Daisy Penney, Rachel Moen, and Makena Weberski all in action, making the Cougars tough to beat. Maria Carrillo will feature a strong supporting cast behind Mallon with Gracie Trenam and Kira Moelooking to finish in the top 10. Deep squads from St. Mary’s College HS and Miramonte round out the other contending teams in the race.
In the team battle, a deep squad from Dublin will look to take the win over an up-and-coming College Park team. Homestead of Cupertino will be another team to look out for as they have historically had very strong performances at Ed Sias.
Freshman Illiana Nierengarten of Castro Valley will be making her high school debut and looks to be the next closest challenger. Nierengarten has been one of the top youth runners in the East Bay for quite some time and should have no trouble stepping up to varsity competition. Shea Elmore leads a strong group from Los Gatos, who look to take home the team title after last year’s runner-up finish. Archbishop Mitty, Dublin, and Doughtery Valley round out the other contenders in the team competition.