Garritson Seeks Cross-Country Nationals Again

Carrie Garritson leads a group of four returning finalists in the girls’ race of the Cross-Country Western Regional Championships on Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Garritson, of Buena Park High, won the State Division II title--her second State championship--last weekend and is seeking her fourth appearance in the nationals, a feat accomplished by only two runners in the Western Regional--Kira Jorgensen (Vista Rancho Buena Vista High) and Deena Drossin (Agoura).

The top eight girls and top eight boys advance to the national finals Dec. 11 in San Diego.

Other girls considered to have legitimate shots at finishing among the top eight include sophomore Jessica Corbin of Irvine High, who finished third in the State Division I race, and Canyon’s Kim Nelson.

On the boys’ side, Jaime Martinez, of Orange High, is among four returning finalists. Martinez finished second in the State Division I race. In last year’s nationals, he was 10th overall and first among the West’s runners.