WEB EXCLUSIVE The Convent & Stuart Hall cross-country team will travel to Southern California from Thursday to Saturday to attend the Mt. SAC Invitational race in Walnut, California.

The team will be competing with teams from all over California. Since the Mt. SAC race is an invitational, it will not count towards qualifications for state finals.

“This trip is a great team bonding experience,” head cross-country coach Michael Buckley said. “This race has a high level of competition, so it is nice to go to a venue like Mt. SAC and see the sport at its highest levels.”

The team has participated in five invitationals and two league meets around the Bay Area throughout the season.

“Not only is Mt. SAC a great way to advance my athleticism,” sophomore Virginia Morford said, “it is also a great bonding experience to get closer with my teammates.”

The team will also visit Disneyland on Friday night after the race for the annual Halloween party at the amusement park.

“I am really sad that this is my last year going to Mt. SAC,” senior Maggie Walter said. “I am really excited to go with the team this year, and especially excited that we are keeping the tradition of going to Disneyland.”

Going to Southern California for this race and Disneyland has been a tradition for the cross-country team for 16 years, according to Buckley.

“As a freshman, I think this trip is a great way to really get to know the team,” freshman Mia Sassi said. “I am stoked to spend time with my friends, as well as participate in the invitational.”

The season is nearing the end for most athletes as there are only two more meets including one more league meet before championships. For varsity runners, the season will continue on into mid-November if they qualify for state finals.

“In the past years I have looked up to my teammates,” senior Skyler Dela Cruz said, “but now as a senior in my last season it is nice to know that I have made somewhat of an impact on the team and the lowerclassmen.”