Held at the Mt. San Antonio College, in Walnut California, Mt. Sac Invitational is one of the largest, oldest and most difficult races in the country. This year was the 54th annual event with more than 90 races and 13, 500 runners from 450 schools mostly from all parts of California.

The meet has a history almost as old as the host college itself. Mt. San Antonio College dates back to1945 when it started out as Eastern Los Angeles County Community College. It was later renamed after Southern California's tallest and most visible snow-capped mountain (popularly known as Mt. Baldy) in the distance behind the College.The college today remains a community college with an enrollment about 40,000 and distintuished reputation both in academics and athletics.

The early days of Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational were a "bit" different than today. Back in 1948 Mt. Sac decided to host an event to try to promote cross country. It was for the Junior College and high school cross-country teams. Ten schools participated on a new cinder track. For high schoolers, it was a 1.8 mile course that included an up and down section with the only way back was by way of the course's first "Poop-Out Hill," (a road along the college's south bpimdary line to what is now the backside of today's "Poop-Out Hill).By the 1960's the course evolved to a new course. The old "poop-Out Hill" was eliminated and a new course included Reservoir Hill, the new "Poop-Out Hill," the Valley Loop, and newly cut "Switchbacks." High Schools runners were now running 3 milles mostly in barefoot which took its toll on feet. So, a new rule requiring all runners to wear shoes was established. At first, many runners ran in gymnastic/ballet type shoes. Later these were replaced as the shoe industry produced shoes acceptable to cross country runners.

Through the years, improvements were made and new groups including girls and women (1970's) were included bringing the meet up to today's stature. (Thanks to Don Ruh and his story in the program for the history in this intro.)

The 54th Annual Mt. SAC

 

The Stars

In a Class By Herself

Amber Trotter, Ukiah CA--Amber not only won the race but shattered the course record with a time of 16.16. Amber is making up for last year when she was out for the season on a medical leave. Now, she looks forward to Footlocker.

Yong-sung Leal--Arroyo CA, the boys most impressive runner for the meet with a time of 14.43, making him the 8th best runner ever at Mt. SAC.

 

THE PARENTS AND THEIR RUNNERS

Liza Pasciuto and Mom, Christine--Murrieta Valley Liza's victory in the Division 1-2 Team Sweepstakes was a Happy Birthday present for Mom.

Dan Nelson, Tim's dad

Tim Nelson, Liberty Christian--Sweepstakes Race #47 6th place finisher.

TEAM WINNERS

Canyon Springs, CA winners of the Sweepstakes Race 46

Long Beach Poly CA-2nd place winners in the Sweepstakes Race #46

Barstow CA--1st place winners of the Sweepstakes Race #30

Fillmore CA--2nd place winner in the Sweepstakes Race #31

Rubidoux CA--3rd place winners in the Sweepstakes Race #46

Madera CA -- winners of Sweepstakes Race #47

Esperanza CA--Winners of the Sweepstakes Race #48

Bret Harte CA -- winner of the Sweepstakes Race #28

Montgomery CA--3rd Place in the Sweepstakes Race #48

The Thacher School CA--3rd place winners in the Sweepstakes Race #26

The Thacher School CA--5th place winners in the Sweepstakes Race #29

Taft Union CA--2nd place in the Girls Varsity Race #24

Taft Union CA-6th place winners in the Sweepstakes Race #31

North Tahoe CA-- 2nd Girls Varsity Race #25

Murrieta Valley CA--4th place finishers in the Sweepstake Race #48

Invividual Winners

Nikki Peterson, Faith Lutheran NV winner of the Sweepstakes Division 5 Race #26

Liza Pasciuto, Murrieta Valley CA--Winner of the Sweepstake Race #48

Alex Dunn, San Lorenzo Valley CA--winner of the Sweepstakes Race #30

Kevin Davis, Clovis West CA--winner of the Sweepstakes Race #46

MORE WINNERS

Clara Horowitz, Head-Royce CA 2nd Sweepstakes Race #26

Carl Dambkowski--Granada (Liv) CA--2nd Sweepstakes Race #47

Bonita Vista CA

Woodcrest Christian CA -- 6th in the Sweepstakes Race #26

The Whole St. Paul Gang!

WORKERBEES