MAR VISTA— Geffen Academy at UCLA Middle School Cross Country opened its season in impressive fashion on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Mar Vista Park, with 27 Bruins taking to the course for their first Pacific Basin League meet of the year.

Geffen Academy was well represented with 19 boys and eight girls competing in the season opener. Both squads delivered strong team performances, as the Bruin boys raced to a second-place overall finish while the girls captured first place to begin their season with a victory.

Leading the way for the boys was Elliott C. ’31, who crossed the finish line in fourth place overall as Geffen Academy’s top finisher of the day. Elliott’s standout race helped set the pace for a deep Bruin lineup and contributed to the team’s runner-up finish.

On the girls side, Skylar W. ’31 and Alina M. ’31 led the Bruins with a pair of top-five performances. Skylar finished third overall, while Alina followed closely with a fifth-place finish, helping propel the Bruins to the team victory.

The season opener was a true team effort, with runners throughout the lineup putting together great races and representing the Bruins well.

For the boys, Nyjah C., Ryan T., Roman R., Oliver G., Harry D., Luke R., Aidan K., Freddie L., Jack E., Kerem E., Matthew V., Grey G., Ryan H., Evan L., Blake K., Sebastian G., Haadi H., and Daniel L. all competed alongside Elliott and contributed to a terrific opening meet.

For the girls, Mia H., Kaia W., Nova R., Jenny E., Madeleine S., and Josie D. joined Skylar and Alina in a fantastic team performance that helped the Bruins secure the season-opening win.

The Bruins had one more reason to celebrate after crossing the finish line. Following the meet, the team came together to celebrate Freddie L.’s ’33 birthday.

Geffen Academy returns to racing next Thursday, Oct. 1, for the second conference competition of the fall at Mar Vista Park.