Cross Country Race · Mountie Xpress Invitational
Patient and Poised: Noah Olivares Wins First High School Race at the Mountie Xpress Invitational
Yorba Linda High School freshman Noah Olivares opened his high school career with a first-place finish in the Freshmen Boys Small School 2 mile at the 2026 Mountie Xpress Invitational, running 10:46.5 against a field of 169 competitors at the Mt. SAC course in Walnut, CA.
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How Noah Did
A Debut Worth Remembering
On August 22, 2026, Noah Olivares stepped onto the Mt. SAC course in Walnut, California for the first competitive race of his high school career. The Mountie Xpress Invitational served as the stage, and the 14-year-old Yorba Linda High School freshman made the most of it. Competing in the Freshmen Boys Small School 2 mile against a field of 169 runners, Olivares crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 10:46.5. It was a composed, confident performance that signaled exactly what kind of runner he intends to be.
A Tactical Race from the Start
Olivares did not go out chasing the lead. He settled into the pack early, running around fifth or sixth place while keeping the leaders within range. The Mt. SAC course is hilly and demanding, but Olivares had raced it before and used that familiarity to his advantage. Rather than burning energy early, he stayed patient and positioned himself to strike.
The Move That Won the Race
At roughly the halfway point of the 2 mile, Olivares began working his way toward the front. He traded positions with the leaders through a competitive stretch before making his decisive move with about a half mile remaining. He pushed to the front and held it, finishing first and earning the win for himself, his team, and his coaches.
A Celebration at the Finish Line
Waiting at the finish line was Eric Wroblewski, Olivares's former coach with Quick Track Club, who was there to celebrate the moment. Wroblewski has been a significant figure in Olivares's development over the past two years. Also among the Yorba Linda freshmen celebrating on the day was Sofia Wroblewski, who won her own freshmen race, and Andrew Nielsen, a friend of Olivares who won the Freshmen Large School 2 mile. It was a strong collective showing for the Yorba Linda freshman class.
What This Performance Means Going Forward
A first-place finish in a 169-runner freshmen field at a major invitational is a meaningful opening statement for any high school career. Olivares demonstrated race intelligence beyond his grade level, choosing patience over aggression and executing a well-timed closing kick. At 14 years old and just entering ninth grade at Yorba Linda High School, he has significant room to develop. Coaches and recruiters tracking the Southern California freshmen class should note this result.
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