The Loyola Cubs Varsity Cross Country Team won the first Mission League cluster meet of the season at Crescenta Valley Park.

Head Coach Lalo Diaz said, “This is the first of the of the cluster meets where the seven teams from the Mission League come together. So it's a good starting point for the league season, but obviously we have a race on Saturday, the Bell Jeff Invitational, and we’re in the sweepstakes division at that race, and it is always a good mark as to where we are one third into the season. So we're happy with the progress we've made, but we know we have a long road in front of us.”

Junior Anthony Stone, placing 4th, said, “We won this meet pretty easily, so we're not too worried about the next cluster meet. We were trying to take it easy today since we have a race on Saturday.”

According to Stone, Harvard Westlake is the most formidable competition for Loyola, but Loyola’s past success in Mission League meets makes it unlikely they will pose a serious threat.

Varsity Captain Mason Ratkovich said, “This is a very tough course but we did a good job with our packing. We are just gearing up for Saturday because it is such an important race for us.”

The Bell-Jeff Invitational will be taking place this Saturday, September 29, at the Greek Theater in Griffith Park. The first race is at 9:30 in the morning. Come out and show your support!