The USATF Cross Country Championships take place this weekend in sunny San Diego, as some of the top senior and junior talent square off to earn a trip to represent the US in Spain at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. 

Leading the charge in the junior men's race are prep stars Craig Lutz (TX) and Ammar Moussa (CA). Moussa stepped up big in 2010, earning a spot on the American junior squad by finishing sixth overall. Moussa then went on to place 66th overall at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Poland. 

Meanwhile, Lutz competes in his first USATF XC Championship event. Lutz had an amazing fall harrier season, and should challenge for the top spot on Saturday. The University of Texas signee seems poised to take challenge for victory and lead the US junior contingent in Spain.

On the junior women's side, Aisling Cuffe (NY) is the odds-on-favorite to win. Cuffe steamrolled the competition this past fall, winning every title imaginable, including the Foot Locker National Championship. The Villanova recruit has continued to look strong in practice and is excited for her first crack and representing the US.

USATF Junior Race Entries / In-Depth Junior Preview (ESPN RISE)