California cross country runners compete at Fatima Invitational

The California High School cross country team competed at the Fatima Invitational Saturday at Westphalia, where Devon Huff led California with 18:54.

"We did really well this weekend," California Coach Josh Grotzinger said. "The athletes are starting to really race and put up some good times. Leading the charge was Devon Huff, running over a two-minute personal best of 18:54. Devon Harms was next running nearly two minutes faster at 22:45. Don Figgins also had a big day, improving over a minute to 16:51, recording one of the faster times in the state this year! Dakota Harris also showed improvement, taking another 10 seconds off his personal best last weekend."

Grotzinger said the California girls recorded fast times as well. "Elizabeth Kirby ran 22:10 and Ashlee Davis ran 22:42. These girls are getting faster and faster each time they race. Ashlee is averaging a 30 second improvement each meet, and Lizzy has improved 40 seconds in each of the last two meets."

Grotzinger added, "It is really exciting to see how fast these kids can run. The district meet is this weekend and Don, Devon, Ashlee and Lizzy are all in a good position to qualify on to state this year, which will be really exciting given this is the first year of our program."

The Class 2 District 7 Cross Country Meet will be held Saturday at Tiger Jack's Golf Course, Holden.