For the Healdsburg cross country running team, the year’s first invitational at Rancho Cotate gave them a chance to prove their status as one of the best teams in the county. On the other hand, only four schools participated: Healdsburg High, Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa and host Ranch Cotate.
In the boys varsity division Healdsburg’s Jake McWilliams came in first (15:55), Lucas Welty second (15.57) and Domenico Cornilsen third (17:15). The first two runners both broke 16 minutes in the race, though the course record of 14:52 was set in 2022 by Montgomery’s Jude DeVries.
The course is just short of 3 miles, at 2.97. “The 3-mile course provided a strong early benchmark—helping us assess our summer training and set a clear path for the work ahead,” said Kate Guthrie, returning to head coaching duties this year.
“One of the standout moments of the meet came in the combined Freshman/JV Boys race,” Guthrie said. “Freshman Phoenix De Maria Nall blazed through the course to set a new freshman boys course record. Right behind him was fellow freshman Liam McKenzie, who took second in the field—an impressive showing for both.”
In the Junior Varsity field, Santa Rosa’s William Do won at 19:36, though the next three finishers were all racing Greyhounds: Jasper Wolske (20:13), William Ullyott (20:22) and Wyatt Drew (20:39).
Healdsburg varsity girls finished fourth and fifth, behind winner Cardinal Newman’s Ashlin Mallon with a time of 18:10. Madeleine Herzberg ran a 22:44, and Justina Domenichelli a 25.29. Mallon’s time on the course was second only to Hanne Thomsen of Montgomery, who set the standard at 16:11 in 2022.
The invitational was held on Saturday, Aug. 30. Another regional meet took place the same day at Maria Carrillo, with only three schools—Windsor, Sonoma Academy and Maria Carillo—competing in the shorter Sonoma Twilight 3200 trials.
The next big test for area runners will come Sept. 4 at Spring Lake, the annual Bob Shor Invitational. “We’re excited about our deep and determined group of freshman and sophomore boys, all eager to put in the work,” Guthrie said. “At the front of this emerging pack is senior Jake McWilliams, whose leadership and example are helping shape a strong and positive team culture.”
