The Acalanes Dons delivered a standout performance at the Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Championship on November 7 at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez, capturing first place in both the boys and girls Valley Division varsity competitions.
The girls made an especially strong statement, sweeping the top three individual spots. Harper Blair led the Dons with a time of 20:11.3, followed closely by Naya Ellis in 20:16.0 and Avery Erb in 20:16.1. The three runners’ performances gave Acalanes a commanding start in the individual standings and helped secure the Valley Division team championship.
Other Acalanes varsity girls included Georgia Hansen (23:07.8), Emilia Deutsch Stella (25:14.6), and Charlotte Keyser (25:25.5).
The boys also brought home a first place Valley Division championship, with a strong group effort across the varsity lineup. Alexander Hagen led Acalanes with a time of 17:28.1, followed by David Ellerbrock (17:54.6), Peyton Eagens (18:01.1), and Dane Darby (18:06.0). Matt Roberts (18:10.2), Dylan Kubiatowicz (18:22.7), Jason Rossetter (18:33.8), and Aidan Burley (18:57.1) rounded out the Dons’ top finishers.
The Dons also had strong performances in the junior varsity and frosh races.
On the girls’ JV side, Julia Kunz led Acalanes with a time of 16:43.0. Alexandra Hall followed in 17:28.7, with Samantha Grisavage (18:35.5) and Phoebe Ambrosini (18:40.6) close behind. Other Acalanes finishers included Natalie Pecci (20:53.4), Sara Lu (21:51.8), Claire Birdsong (21:59.0), Violette Cline (23:27.2), and Chloe Harvey (25:11.9).
The boys’ JV team was led by Ollie Penn, who finished in 13:10.0. Zane Bruschi followed in 14:09.8, and Emmett Fretwell crossed the finish line in 14:37.5.
In the boys’ frosh race, Oliver Anderson led the Acalanes runners with a time of 12:48.1. Liam Huselid finished in 13:19.6, followed by Greyson Blair (13:25.7), Zachary Adams (13:30.1), and Max Mayer (13:33.5).
With both varsity teams earning Valley Division titles and strong contributions from runners across all levels, the Dons closed out the DAL Championship with an impressive team performance. Next up, NCS!