Odocayen said, “Running sick and still finishing ahead of some competitors was mentally draining, but at the same time it was a confidence booster that I’m at a level where I can do that.”

He added, “Even though I finished a lot further back than I wanted, I feel like this experience will motivate me to do even better and I feel like this race really tested my mental capacity.”

The smoke may have had an influence on the race. CCS was postponed twice, with the final decision to have it on Nov. 18, and the location was moved from Crystal Springs in Belmont to Toro Park in Salinas.

Because of the unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality that the smoke produced, the runners were unable to perform their regular routine outside.

Murtagh said, “Also, the whole week, we had to find a gym with treadmills and run on those, which was something I don’t think any of us were used to.”

Benny Willers, RSP Aide and a Cross Country Coach, was very proud of the team this year and cannot wait for next year. “I thought that the three guys did a pretty good job. The most important was that the effort was there. EJ got the flu and felt very sick the morning of the race and was very proud of him for pushing through it and doing what he did. Aidan and Evan got a personal best as well. Aidan performed over a minute PR better than he did the year before. Even performed four minutes better,” Willers said.