On Saturday, December 13, 2008, at Pole Green Park, in Richmond ,VA, Palo Alto Lightning, provided one of two PA athletes that took home a first place age group medal.

The top 25 finishers in each age group were awarded medals and "All American" honors during the closing ceremonies.

The cross country National Junior Olympics featured the top 20 finishers from each of the 15 regions across the country..."the best of the best."

In Julia's Bantam Girl age group, 220 girls (age 10 or younger) raced the 3K course in the cold conditions.  Julia trained hard and finished her undefeated season as a Champion.  Good Job!

Palo Alto Lightning had seven athletes who qualified for the National cross country Junior Olympics: Claudia Denoue (Palo Alto) Bantam Girl, Julia Bounds (Redwood City) Bantam Girl, Dennis Mandutzo (Palo Alto) Bantam Boy, Ben Zaeske (Los Altos) Bantam Boy, Kent Slaney (Palo Alto) Bantam Boy, Romain Hardy (Palo Alto) Midget Boy, Dariya Smith (Mt.View/Los Alltos) Midget Girl.  All athletes were competitive in their 3K races.  Track & field is starting in February so we expect this to be a very exciting season.

Thank you to all of our parents and Coach Michael for your support, patience and confidence.  Congratulations to all. 

Congratulations to all.

Head Coach, Willie Young