By BROOKE BAXTER
Staff Writer 
Boys and Girls Cross Country began the season successfully, racing in the Laguna Hills Invitational at Laguna Hills High School last Saturday, September 14th.
Despite this race being the first for many of the athletes who were new to cross country, and the absence of many of the returning runners due to ACT testing, the results of those who competed were promising in terms of the season to come.
There were multiple athletes “recovering from injuries, or they were sick or taking the ACT so I’m excited to get everyone back together.. to see how our full team is looking,” Girl’s Cross Country Coach Courtney Mosey said.
Coach Mosey was highly complimentary of the athletes that ran this Saturday and Senior Captain Avery Klauke in particular, as she placed 5th of 52 runners with a time of 19:54.8, in spite of her race being the hottest race of the day. 
“I think everyone had a great race, especially since we were all dealing with the heat.  I think being a senior and running this course 3 times already really helped me out on Saturday.” Klauke said.
Running cross country for his third year, junior Yaseen Sattar ran an impressive 18:40.3. This season, his goal is to run a low 17-minute 3 miles. 
When asked about his goals, Sattar said “I usually set rather unrealistic goals for myself because it helps me strive to do better during practice and especially during a race.”
Junior Captain Collette Lowengrub was unable to race due to a stress fracture from track season last year. Resting her injury during summer training, she didn’t feel ready to run the first race.
“This season I hope our girl’s varsity is able to qualify for CIF as a team again. Last year was such an amazing experience…with all of us there to cheer each other on during the race. So far this season everyone has been training super hard to reach their goals so I hope we are able to get that opportunity again!” Lowengrub said.
 
University is excited to further their journey in Norco at the Woodbridge Invitational this Friday, September 20th.