8th Annual Hi-Desert Cross-Country Classic - Preview - Jay Stepp

Schools Scheduled to Appear: Banning, Beaumont, Burroughs Ridgecrest, Coachella Valley, Desert Christian B.D. Granite Hills, Hesperia, LaQuinta, San Jacinto, Silver Valley, Sherman Indian, 29 Palms, Yucca Valley

Race Times: F/S Boys-3:00 PM, J.V. Girls-3:25 PM, J.V. Boys-3:50 PM, V. Girls-4:15 PM, V. Boys-4:40 PM. Awards ceremony to follow.

Yucca Valley will host its 8th Annual hi-Desert Classic Cross Country Invitational at Blue Skies Country Club Golf Course on Thursday, September 26, 2002. There are 13 teams scheduled to appear from around the Inland Empire. Over the past few years, this meet has seen some fine team competition as well as individual performances. Ryan Hall (15:52) of Big Bear & Joy Dalhberg (18:23) of Hesperia holds the course records.

Daniel Lindstrom of Granite Hills, (16:54) looks to defend his title from last year. He will be heavily challenged by Brian Baker of Beaumont (15:21), winner of the Woodbridge Invitational, and state qualifier as a sophomore, Jared Zurn from Burroughs Ridgecrest. Other individuals expected to do well are Beto Larios (Beaumont), Jorge Duran (San Jacinto) and Nick Tyerman (Yucca Valley).

On the boys team side, Burroughs Ridgecrest, (ranked10-D3), will look to defend its title against a much improved Beaumont squad who went from being unranked a week ago to 3rd in D4 this week. A team time of 83:59 gives them a slight edge going into Thursday’s competition. Granite Hills and Hesperia will also look to mix it up with the two powerhouses.

An unbreakable record will look to be set on the girl’s side, as Christina Jimenez of Granite Hills will try to become a 4-year defending champion. Not only will she try and defend her title, but also she has a chance to set the course record. Christina has covered the course in 19:05 and if weather conditions are favorable, she should be victorious as well as setting a new record.

The girl’s team title will be up for grabs. Cajon will be unable to defend its championship due to league commitments. Beaumont, Hesperia, La Quinta, and Yucca Valley will battle it out to try and secure top honors.

The course is run on 85% grass, 10% dirt and sand trails, and 5% on pavement. It consists of deceptively long slow up-hills and long slow downhills. In the 1st mile there is a short, steep up-hill (100 m) with it coming down quickly on the other side. Weather conditions will be in the COOL 90’s with a nice Yucca Valley breeze blowing in from the west. Good luck to all who compete and let’s play a round of golf after the meet.

Dyestat Cal News

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