The Avalon Lancers men and women teams reached high expectations at the Mt. Sac. Invitational on Oct. 24th.  With over 26,000 participants, Mt. Sac is the largest invitational in California.  It is also the site of CIF prelims and finals.  This gave the Lancers a chance to see where they stood against other top teams in their division.

The day started with the freshman girl's race.  Stephani Bastida led Avalon medaling and placing 7th with Alexis Romero at 54 out of 124 racers.  Both would receive a confidence boost knowing they were competitive amongst some of the top freshman in the state.  Following their lead would be the boys in their freshman race.  Andres Gutierrez would just finish outside a medal and place 17th with Julian Jimenez running 62nd out of 126 runners.  Success would follow for the boys into the sophomore race.  Jesus Silva would run strong, medaling and placing 15th.  Jesus Chavoya, and Aaron Troy, would finish for Avalon in 48 and 51st respectively.  The underclassman showed their competitive spirit as well and their determination to show they will be a force to reckon with in the future.

The Varsity races had temperatures reaching 88 degrees, and both teams would receive a gut check.  Michael Wegner fished 26th averaging 5:52 per mile.  The rest of the team struggled coming in between 60 to 120 out of a race containing just over 200 participants.  Avalon placed 10th overall out of 38 teams.   Avalon knows they could have done better and are looking to redeem themselves at CIF.  Natalie Foote had a strong showing finishing 11th in the girls' varsity race.  Amy Bastida and Diana Campos finished within the top 100.

Overall the Lancers reached expectations and some exceeded.  Like most teams with high expectations, they feel as though they still have room for improvement.  As hard as Avalon works they should reach their goals for CIF prelims in two weeks.  Go Lancers!!!