CONCORD, CALIF. – San Diego State Cross Country made the trip to northern California to compete in the 2026 Saint Mary’s Invitational in Concord. The Aztecs faced solid competition including four teams that ranked among the top 15 programs in the NCAA West Region last season. NCAA Division II powerhouse Chico State also made the trip to Concord as the Aztecs raced against a field of 160 athletes. Although the course was listed as six kilometers, the official distance according to TFFRS was 5.95 kilometers.
Leading the way for SDSU was freshman Skylar Watts. Watts made her 5.95 kilometer course debut and responded with a final time of 21:06.6 and a 13th place finish. Watts battled against a veteran field of competitors even sitting in first place through the first split on the course. She was the third fastest freshman of the day. Her time of 21:06.6 was faster than any 5.95-kilometer performance the Aztecs posted last season highlighting the upside the Mission Viejo native brings to The Mesa.
The second Aztec to cross the finish line was Elliana Lomeli. Lomeli served as one of the top middle-distance runners for the Aztecs during her freshman track season and has made strides as a cross-country runner in her second year. Lomeli secured a 24th place finish while running a huge 5.95-kilometer personal best of 21:25.3. That mark was almost a minute faster than her top time as a freshman last season.
Transfer Isabella Frisone continued to provide a spark for the team as well. Frisone posted a final time of 21:39.6, just three seconds off a personal best. Joining the roster and making her first ever cross-country appearance was Karina Janik. Janik joined the SDSU track and field team as a middle-distance runner. Janik saw action in the 400, 800 and 400-hurdles during the 2026 indoor and outdoor seasons. In her cross-country debut, Janik finished with a time of 22:04.6 while finishing in the top 50 in a field of 160 athletes.
The final Aztec to count towards the overall team score was freshman Delaney Johns. In her first ever 5.95-kilometer race Johns finished with a time of 22:04.9. Rounding San Diego State’s runners were sophomores Alexis Wolfinger, Emilia Greenway and Emily Russo as well as the freshmen duo of Rickelle Bush and Olivia Campos.
Individual Results (5.95K)
13. Skylar Watts – 21:06.1
24. Elliana Lomeli – 21:25.3
35. Isabella Frisone – 21:39.6
50. Karina Janik – 22:04.6
52. Delaney Johns – 22:04.9
61. Alexis Wolfinger – 22:08.7
68. Emilia Greenway – 22:17.2
75. Rickelle Bush – 22:20.9
87. Olivia Campos – 22:34.3
89. Emily Russo – 22:34.7