Cameron Macias, a sophomore standout at Clovis West High in California and last year's winner of the Division 1-2 girls individual sweepstakes race, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Oct. 21 in an attempt to secure back-to-back victories at the 75th Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational Presented by Nike in Walnut, Calif. Macias, who is also celebrating her 16th birthday, produced the third-fastest freshman performance on the 2.93-mile Mt. SAC layout in Central Section history with her 17:31 effort last season. She became the first ninth-grader since Mission Prep's Jordan Hasay in 2005 to win the Division 1-2 girls individual sweepstakes race and is looking to become the first female athlete to repeat in the event since Malibu's Claudia Lane in 2016-17, along with challenging Hasay's Central Section sophomore all-time mark at Mt. SAC of 17:12 from 2006. Macias explains how much she learned from her experience on the hilly course last season and shares the excitement for being able to evaluate her strength and fitness at Mt. SAC ahead of the postseason. She speaks about her level of comfort and familiarity in being in elite races since winning the Middle School National Championships at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park in Louisville in 2021, and how meaningful it has been to have the opportunities to compete this season at the ASICS Cool Breeze Invitational, 42nd Woodbridge Cross Country Classic presented by ASICS America and the 44th ASICS Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno. Macias examines how instrumental her faith has been in handling challenges, not only during races, but also in making significant decisions about her future in balancing multiple sports. She analyzes the potential of both the Clovis West boys and girls teams to qualify for the Division 1 state final in November, and her desire to compete in regional and national competition in December. Macias expresses gratitude for the support of her family and teammates, along with the guidance and insight of Clovis West coach Martin Palavicini, and how she approached summer training in order to reach her potential this year after learning valuable lessons during her freshman track season.

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST OCT. 20-21 OF 75TH MT. SAC CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY NIKE WITH RUNNERSPACE+PLUS