California cross country will begin its inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday at the USF Invitational in San Francisco. The Golden Bears will travel across the Bay Bridge to Hellman Hollow of Golden Gate Park. The men begin competition with the 8000m at 2 p.m., followed by the women 6000m at 3 p.m. 

This is the 31st anniversary of the invitational, with Cal participating for more than two decades. Historically, the men have taken seven team titles and the women have claimed six team titles at the USF Invitational. 

Last year, the men took second place overall and the women finished third. All 10 of Cal's runners individually placed in the top 60, including two in the top 10. Returning junior Caden Carney posted a 24:26.2, finishing seventh, followed by graduate student Garrett MacQuiddy at 24:27. 

For the women, two Bears placed in the top 30 in the invitational last season. In her collegiate debut, Amelia Wardle-Stacey placed 11th and was the top finisher for the women. Behind Wardle-Stacey, returning junior Georgia McCorkle posted a 21:53:6 to finish in 30th place. 

Following the USF Invitational, Cal's next meet will be on September 20 at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minnesota. 
 

STAY POSTED

For complete coverage of Cal cross country, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalTFXC), Instagram (@caltfxc) and Facebook (/CalTFXC/)