Valentin Sanchez Jr., number 511, is the returning 2023 Butte View League 5K Champion and 2023 IV State Qualifier. Photo courtesy of Jaime Luevano


GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Bulldogs Cross Country Team opened their season this past weekend at the Inderkum Tiger Invitational held in Sacramento. The 2.5-mile course was run at the North Natomas Regional Park.

Gridley, representing the Northern Section, fared well against five schools from the San Joaquin Section that included Grant, Leroy Green Academy, Liberty Ranch, Marysville and host Inderkum Tigers. 

From left, Isaiah Hospers ninth, Zac Bonnifet 12th, Valentin Sanchez 11th, Will Yost 12th, Rene Mellin 11th and Charlie Medina ninth. Photo courtesy of Jaime Luevano

Gridley’s Valentin Sanchez Jr. would take first place in the men’s 2.5-mile varsity run with a time of 14:43, beating a runner from Grant by one second for the lead. Gridley’s Zac Bonnifet would place 16th with a time of 18:48 and Will Yost would take 18th with a time of 19:22.

JV’s Isaiah Hospers would run a 17:08 min 2.5-mile race to take second place and Charlie Medina would run the women’s 2.5 freshman/sophomore race at 23:18.00, taking fifth place.

Coach Jaime Luevano looks forward to a promising season with his team.

Freshman Isaiah Hospers, left, placed second overall for the JV Boys. Freshman Charlie Medina placed fifth overall for the JV Girls. Junior Valentin Sanchez Jr. placed first overall for the Varsity Boys. Photo courtesy of Jaime Luevano

Gridley Cross Country is Andrew Payne, Asher Kimberling, Isaiah Hospers, Raul Vazquez, Rene Mellin, Valentin Sanchez Jr., Will Yost, Zac Bonnifet, Charlie Medina, and Gabby Cahoon.