Hoot Owl is one of the oldest vineyards in Alexander Valley, but for the past seven years it’s been the training and competition course for Healdsburg’s cross country team. Known as the Top of the World for its expansive vineyard views, the 3.1-mile course provides an aerobic hill workout for runners—a challenge not only for Greyhounds but for visiting teams as well.
Last week, Rancho Cotate runners came up short in their effort to put a stamp on the course. Healdsburg’s athletes swamped the visitors, the boys taking the top seven places, including two runners who topped the old course record of 17:36 set by Kaeden Anderson in 2023. Sophomore Lucas Welty set a new standard at 17:14, and in second place Jack McWilliams also beat the time set by his former teammate Anderson, finishing in 17:29.
The bright spot for the Rancho girls was the first-place finish by Reese Chang in 25:58, but the next four finishers were all Hounds, led by second-place June Nelson (27:15), Maddie Herzberg in third (27:26), with Justina Domenichelli (28:04) and Olive Munden (28:18) not far behind. That’s all a long way from the girls course record of 21:33, set by Montgomery’s Maria Briceno in 2019.
“Healdsburg Varsity Boys is in a great position to qualify as a team for the CIF State Championship this year, especially after beating … the 2nd ranked team of our division in the North Coast Section,” said coach Kate Guthrie. “But there are no guarantees in running, and we have to be the same team in November who can toe the line and run strong, tactical races.”
Next up is Piner, at their course this Wednesday (results too late for press time). “Both our boys and girls varsity teams are 2-0 in league competition,” Guthrie said. “Piner has strong runners on both sides—this will be an excellent test for our team.”
The Hoot Owl course will next see competition on Oct. 28, when Elsie Allen comes calling. Hoot Owl Creek Vineyard is located at 8197 Hwy 128.
