SAN FRANCISCO – Cal opened its cross country season Saturday at the local USF Invitational in Golden Gate Park. Battling through a Bay Area heat wave, the Golden Bear men finished third, while the Cal women were fourth.
 
With several of Cal's veteran runners sitting out the race to be better prepared for key meets later in the year, freshmen led the way for both the men's and women's squads.
 
For the men, Steven Khan set the pace by placing ninth overall, while Annie Boos took 13th for the women, with sophomore Marissa Dobry close behind in 14th.
 
Head coach Shayla Houilhan said she was impressed by the team effort in its first meet of the season.
 
"Today was the perfect start to the season, Houlihan said. "The race plan was executed well for this record high heat. It was amazing to see two freshmen mix it up and lead the teams. Steven Khan had probably the most impressive run. He executed the race and was able to close really hard over the last 2,000 meters."
 
The Bears now have a few weeks to prepare for their next two meets, the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational in South Bend, Ind., Sept. 29 and the West Regional Preview in Sacramento Sept. 30.