(GILBERT, Ariz.) The Gilbert Christian cross country team kept its momentum rolling on Friday, competing in the Western Equinox meet at Freestone Park. The course brought plenty of challenges- with hills, shifting terrain, and muddy patches, alike, but the Knights' runners persevered, delivering tough, determined performances that showed off their early-season growth.

Leading the way was junior captain Asa Jones, who turned in a remarkable 16:49.6. That mark not only shattered his time from the same meet last year (17:19) but also put him just six-tenths of a second away from breaking the long-standing GCHS school record.

"Asa put in a strong base of mileage this summer and it's showing in his early season fast times," Head Coach Amy Ford said. "The boys' school record will fall this year!"

Several other Knights showcased major progress compared to last season's effort at Freestone:

·       Vaughn Sees (Jr.) notched a 20-second personal record.
·       Jacob Shields (So.) dropped over 1:40 from last year's time.
·       Charlotte Bisceglie (So.) improved her mark by two full minutes.
·       Ellia Pittenturf (So.) turned in one of the biggest jumps, cutting more than five minutes from her 2024 result and setting a 33-second season best.

Success also carried over from last week's opener, with several Knights racing to fresh PRs:

·       Jace Morey (So.) 1:30 faster than the previous week's 5K.
·       Gianna Licea (Sr.) 30 seconds faster.
·       Shiloh Swearingen (Fr.) 20-second improvement.
·       Noah Chhokar (Fr.) 30 seconds better.
·       Kodi Bell (Jr.) 2025 best.

"Overall, I'm pleased with the team efforts and would like to celebrate our early progress," Ford said. "This group is racing hard and pushing one another forward."

The Knights return to action this Friday at the Ojo Rojo Invitational at Tumbleweed Park. The upcoming meet will be divided by freshman (7:15am), and varsity (7:45am) races.