News Summary

The Dana Hills High School cross country team is starting a new season filled with anticipation and nostalgia. With standout runner Evan Noonan graduated, senior Oliver Hunter takes leadership as the team navigates the upcoming Dana Hills Invitational. Both men’s and women’s teams are prepared to showcase their talent amidst local rivalries, while the community reflects on Noonan’s legacy as he embarks on his collegiate career at Stanford. The Dana Hills Invitational promises to be an unforgettable event uniting athletes and supporters.

Excitement Builds as Dana Hills High School Cross Country Team Kicks Off New Season

In the vibrant coastal city of Dana Point, the Dana Hills High School cross country team is gearing up for a challenging yet exciting season. This year’s season marks the first time in five years that the team will be competing without their standout star runner, Evan Noonan. After a remarkable high school career that left everyone in awe, Noonan graduated in May 2025 and is now taking on the new chapter of his life as a college athlete at Stanford. With the Dana Hills Invitational just around the corner on Saturday, September 6, 2025, the team feels a mix of anticipation and a touch of nostalgia.

A New Era Begins

The Dana Hills Invitational is a tradition that brings together local talent, and this year’s event will be held on the familiar Dana Hills course that winds through the school grounds, finishing on the track in the football stadium. As the team navigates the new season without Noonan, they’ll need to rally around their new leader. This role falls upon senior Oliver Hunter, who showcased his incredible potential last year by finishing fifth in the prestigious CIF State Cross Championships in 2024.

With an impressive athletic background, Hunter is poised to step up and lead the Men’s D1 3-Mile Tim Butler Elite Race. He’ll be joined by a dedicated crew of teammates, including Johnathan Desormiers, Caleb Kalfin, Gunnar Neubauer, Ethan Perez, and Zachary Williams. Together, they will face off against talented runners from other schools, making it a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators alike.

Women Ready to Make Their Mark

The excitement doesn’t stop with the boys – the Dana Hills women’s team is ready to showcase their talent as well. In the Women’s D1 3-Mile Ron Buchheim Elite Race, athletes Taylor Burton, Grace Gryzanoski, Katrina Haynes, Zeal Locke, Valentina Quilantan, and Xochitl Saragoza will be out there giving it their all. With their determination and hard work, they are poised to make a significant impact on the course.

Local Rivals Join the Fun

This year, the competition at the Dana Hills Invitational includes a lineup of nearby teams that will surely heighten the excitement. Schools like San Clemente High, San Juan High, Aliso Niguel High, and Huntington Beach High will all be present, intensifying the friendly rivalries and delivering an exhilarating showdown on the day of the meet.

Where’s Evan Now?

As the Dana Hills runners gear up, many can’t help but remember the outstanding accomplishments of Evan Noonan. Just last week, he made his debut for Stanford, competing in the USF Invitational in San Francisco where he was part of a remarkable seven-player pack that finished within a mere 0.4 seconds of each other during the challenging 8K race. Despite a solid performance, Stanford’s team finished sixth in the meet, marking a competitive start to Noonan’s collegiate career. Having been a two-time defending CIF-SS Division 3 and State Champion in boys cross country, the legacy that Noonan leaves behind is still fresh in the minds of the Dana Hills community.

Looking Ahead

With the spirit of competition and camaraderie, Dana Hills High School’s cross country team is ready to embrace this new season. While the absence of Evan Noonan will certainly be felt, the team has the potential to rise up, back each other, and create their own memorable moments on the track. Whether you’re an athlete or a supporter, the excitement around the Dana Hills Invitational guarantees an unforgettable day, as everyone comes together to cheer on their teams, showcasing the passion for running that defines this community.

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