The calendar may have turned to a new season, but expectations remain as high as ever for the Saint Mary's cross country teams. Riding one of the most successful stretches in school history, the Panthers enter 2026 with a mix of talented veterans and rising young stars who are expected to compete for league, section, and state honors while maintaining the consistency, accountability, and togetherness that define the program’s values and history.
Boys Amongst NCS Favorites Once Again
The Panthers' success begins with a returning All-State runner and a handful of talented up-and-comers who are ready to establish themselves among the best in the North Coast Section. Senior Djali de Chalus enters the season as one of the state's premier distance runners after a breakthrough junior campaign that saw him earn 1st team All-State honors in cross country as well as a 3200m individual NCS Championship in track.
Whether leading from the front or closing hard over the final mile, Djali combines championship experience with remarkable consistency that will make him a threat to win every race in which he’s entered.Also, as the team's top returning runner and captain, he will be counted on not only for low finishes but also for leadership throughout the season.
Joining him is a pair of NCS medal hopefuls in junior Kai Sullivan and sophomore Nico Cadelago.Both Kai and Nico enjoyed fine track seasons this past spring and both have been healthy, productive and motivated this summer.The coaching staff believes the duo has the potential to develop into one of the strongest No. 2 and No. 3 combinations in Division IV.
Championship cross country teams are built with more than just front-runners, and the Panthers appear to have the depth necessary to compete with the state's best programs.Juniors Scott St. Clair and Khalil Pearson along with sophomores Sam Kelly and Nic Preas complete one of the strongest 7 runner combinations in the area. Khalil is the defending frosh-soph TCAL champion, Scott is completely healthy and has had a great summer of running thus far… while Nic is coming off a tremendous freshmen track season and Sam is a highly touted transfer from Albany HS.Junior Lukas McAndrew-Kvaerno and senior Zach Potter will also lend their speed and provide valuable leadership to this year’s team.
In all, this group gives the Panthers the much-needed depth and talent that championships teams require.
Girls Team Hopes To Surprise
The girls team enters the season with growing confidence and two runners capable of competing with the best in Division IV. Senior Paula Devine will make her long-awaited cross country debut after bursting onto the distance scene during track season. Her impressive spring performances quickly established her as one of the area's top distance runners, and she enters the fall expected to contend for top finishes throughout the season, including at the North Coast Section and California State Championships.
Last year’s 1st team All-TCAL and state meet qualifier - Caty Ruppert – is also looking like she’ll make a strong run at an individual NCS medal this season.“Her fitness, training and commitment have been excellent so far,” notes longtime girls coach Denis Mohun.“Don’t be surprised to see a much-improved version of Caty this season.”
Teammates Evelyn Bird, Jessie Ruppert,Olivia Chu, Zoe Jennings and Gianna Hernandez… along with senior captain Uma Vela will provide depth, leadership and confidence that will keep this group improving. With a strong summer of training behind them, the lady Panthers hope to make steady progress throughout the season and be at their best when the league, section and state championships arrive.
Season Outlook
“I think the season looks promising,” said boys head coach Jeff Rogers.“We have a really good group of dedicated, talented runners up top as well as a cluster of runners knocking on that elite door.We’re also excited about some of the new runners who’ve joined us this summer.For the boys, this may end up being one of the most talented freshmen groups we’ve ever had. All of our runners and our entire coaching staff is looking forward to this season.”
The Panthers officially begin their season with the program's 28th Annual Time Trial on September 8, a tradition that has long served as the first measuring stick of the fall.
From there, Saint Mary's will face some of the best competition in the state, beginning with the Ed Sias Invitational before traveling south for the prestigious Woodbridge Invitational. Midseason tests at the Artichoke Invitational, Clovis Invitational, and Haystack Invitational, along with the always-competitive TCAL league meets, will prepare the Panthers for championship racing.
When November arrives, the focus shifts to the postseason. The Panthers will once again set their sights on TCAL and North Coast Section championships before attempting to earn another trip to the CIF California State Championships.
If summer training is any indication, both teams have the talent, depth, and determination to make this another memorable season for Saint Mary's cross country.
