KNIGHTS AMONG TOP GVC COMPETITORS AT TORO PARK INVITE

SALINAS, Calif. – Shasta College's Jacob Garrett and Grace Southern were the top competitors for the Knights in the men's and women's race at Toro Park in Salinas on Friday.

Southern finished the 3-mile race in 20 minutes, 54 seconds and took 26th overall. She was the top Golden Valley Conference participant in the race, which featured 20 teams and 96 individuals. Other Knight women competing was Adrian Bartlett, who took 56th in 22:34, and Matteya Ruiz, who placed 89th in 27:25.

For the men, Garrett was 34th overall, running the 4-mile course in 21:49 and was the second among GVC competitors on the day. The Shasta men finished in 16th place overall with 398 points. The field featured 20 teams and 155 individuals.

The rest of the Knight competitors were Joe Williams (133rd, 26:04), Cordell Brock (134th, 26:14), Aaron Young (136th, 26:27), Dixon Moore (138th, 26:40) and Isiah Wilson, 155th, 33:45).

Shasta head cross-country coach Taylor Duncan was pleased with how his team performed in only the second meet of the season.

"It was a very fast race overall and in general we competed well but definitely have room to improve before we head back for NorCal on Nov. 8," Duncan said. "Jacob ran a great race in particular and stuck to our plan, which placed him well for our first real meet of the year. We are looking to build this month and improve to compete at our conference meet which is the team goal right now."

Shasta College competes Friday at the Butte Invite/GVC Preview.