Sep 8, 2016 3 min read

Many coaches love the California University Invitational.

“It signals the start of the cross country season,” said Upper St. Clair’s Doug Petrick. “We look forward to it every year.”

Although a smaller invitational, the meet is a great place for runners to ease into the routine of 5k racing and because many have been training throughout the summer. Cal U is the ideal place to check fitness, says Petrick. Plus the course is challenging, and there is no separation of varsity and JV rosters.

“So it gives an accurate shot of the depth of your team,” Petrick added.

Petrick got a good look at who may be the top runner in the WPIAL as well as the top female team, while rival Mt. Lebanon also flexed its muscles as a team to watch. While the Blue Devils won the boys’ division, the Lebo ladies took second in the girls’ class.

Savannah Shaw, however, won the race. The USC junior clocked a 19:18 to claim first among the females. Her time was nearly a minute faster than last year’s.

“Savannah lead from the gun and ran a gutsy race, pushing the pace all alone in front,” Petrick said. Shaw set the pace for her teammates as the Panthers took home the team title in the ladies’ division. A freshman, Vianna Shiry ran smart in her first high school race. Also contributing to the win were Lydia Lucas, Steph Grunwald and Nicole Naumann, all of whom are underclassmen.

“This was a total team effort and the girls were so happy to get the winning trophy,” Petrick said.

Only one point separated the USC and Lebo ladies. So Petrick anticipates this season’s section meets to be “fun and highly competitive.” He noted how Oscar Schutt’s teams also run strong and “consistently set the standard” for the section. “You really have to admire that,” he added.

The top Lebo ladies were Patrice Smith (21:56), Rory Vigrass (22:02), Gillian Livingston (22:27), Moira Anderson (22:36), Cora Broadhurst (23:06), Rachel Walters (23:33) and Paulina Braverman (23:39).

On the boys’ side, USC took third behind Lebo and Greensburg-Salem.

Bryce Brandenstein, Jack Cameron, Patrick Anderson, Rob Doncourt, Zachary Dewit, Thomas Cosentino and William Wanovich led the Lebo boys. Brandenstein had the top time of 17:14.

CJ Hess, a sophomore, led the Panther men. He placed sixth overall. Senior Justin Densmore ran a great race as USC’s second harrier. Also, pitching in on the score sheet were Matt Higgs, Ethan Mann and Alex Shaw, all of whom are underclassmen.

USC and most of the other area cross country teams will compete Sept. 10 in the Red, White and Blue Classic, to be held in Schenley Park.