29th California Cross Country State Championships --
10 Runners to Watch

By Erik Boal, DyeStatCAL Editor

Sofia Castiglioni, Davis Senior, Jr.

Following an 11th-place finish in the Division I state final last year, the Blue Devils are motivated for a podium finish and the emergence of Castiglioni as a leader in the absence of Stanford commit Fiona O'Keeffe -- sidelined since Oct. 7 with tendinitis -- has given them the confidence to do so. Castiglioni placed 14th last year, but is a legitimate all-state candidate, which could vault Davis into contention for a berth to race Dec. 5 at Nike Cross Nationals.

Andy Ehrenberg, Redwood Larkspur, Sr.

A two-time North Coast Section Division II champion, Ehrenberg has the potential to break up the Southern Section's monopoly in this division. Following an 11th-place finish last year, Ehrenberg wants to conclude his career with an all-state performance and challenge the Redwood program record of 15:08 set by Fred Huxham in 2013 at Woodward Park.

David Frisbie, JF Kennedy Fremont, Sr.

After placing seventh in Division III last year, Frisbie is the No. 2 returnee behind champion Austin Tamagno of Brea-Olinda. Following a dominant performance to win his first North Coast Section championship -- becoming one of 13 runners to eclipse the 15-minute mark at Hayward High -- Frisbie has the potential to challenge Tamagno and San Luis Obispo junior Callum Bolger.

Claire Graves, Citrus Valley, Jr.

A Foot Locker national finalist last season, Graves is looking to add a Division II state championship to her impressive resume, but will need to get past talented seniors Amanda Gehrich of Tesoro, Megan McCandless of Granada, Gillian Meeks of Gunn and Nikki Zielinski of Anaheim Canyon in order to do so. Graves placed fourth at last year's state meet and took runner-up behind Gehrich at the Southern Section final, but is seeking a breakthrough performance in a championship event.

Eduardo "Lalo" Herrera, Madera South, Sr.

The Valley's local star looks to take aim at the Central Section record of 14:51 set by Buchanan's C.J. Albertson in 2010, in addition to challenging Arcadia's Phillip Rocha for the Division I state title. Herrera ran 15:01 in a solo effort at the Central Section finals and will be inspired to improve on last year's fourth-place finish in his final prep race at Woodward Park. His performance will weigh heavily in the Stallions pursuing another podium finish.

Jeremy Leary, Sir Francis Drake, Sr.

The North Coast Section Division IV champion looks to upstage a trio of talented Southern Section challengers in Andrew Burkhardt of JSerra, Moses Bojorquez of Foothill Tech and Robbie Santoyo of Bishop Amat to deliver the program's first state title since John Lawson in 2011. Leary placed 21st year at last year's final, but is one of the division's most improved runners, looking to lead the Pirates to a podium finish.

Isaiah Lozano, St. Bonaventure, Sr.

Although the battle for the Division V title is expected to be a showdown involving Jack Van Scoter of Flintridge Prep and Cooper Teare of St. Joseph Notre Dame, Lozano could play the role of spoiler following a second-place finish at the Southern Section final. Following a ninth-place effort at last year's state final, Lozano is determined to challenge for a championship.

Gabby Satterlee, Central Valley Christian, Sr.

After leading the Cavaliers to their first Division IV state title last year, Satterlee is looking to follow her third consecutive Central Section individual crown with a state championship in her final race at Woodward Park. Satterlee, who placed second in the championship race at the Clovis Invitational, will square off against Cate Ratliff of Santa Cruz and Morgin Coonfield of McKinleyville in one of the meet's most compelling matchups.

Grace Taylor, Bishop O'Dowd, Jr.

Established herself as a title contender after winning the North Coast Section Division III crown by defeating reigning state champion Chloe Hansel of Las Lomas. Taylor finished 37th at last year's state final, but is looking to become the Dragons' third state champion, following Miesha Marzell in 1992 and Ariel Wright in 2004. Taylor will be challenged by Stefani Gaskell of Sultana, Jacquelyn Smith of Palos Verdes, Michelle Magnani of Moorpark, Matti Peoples of Aptos and Hansel.

Brooke Trossen, Francis Parker, Jr.

After becoming the Lancers' first female runner to earn all-state honors last season with her 10th-place finish in Division V, Trossen is driven to not only challenge for the championship, but help put Francis Parker in title contention. Trossen, a two-time San Diego Section champ, will need to get past reigning champion Rylee Bowen of Sonoma Academy in order to help the Lancers deny Flintridge Prep back-to-back team titles.