Ceres High cross country members Clarissa Rivera, Jayden Jaimes and Elija Villamarin capped off the 2025 season with respectable showings at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III Championships on Nov. 15 at Willow Hills Reservoir Park in Folsom.

“I’m proud of them for the effort they put in,” Bulldogs’ head coach Owen Brown said. “There was a quality field of runners there. It’s a challenging course with hills. It’s continuously up and down.”

Rivera, a junior, finished 57th in a field of 75 runners while competing in the varsity girls division.

She posted a time of 22 minutes, 59 seconds on the 3-mile course.

“My expectation for her was realized,” Brown said. “She broke 23 minutes. I’m happy for her.”

Rivera enjoyed her best season to date with the Bulldogs.

She qualified for sections for the first time in her career.

“It’s only her second year doing cross country,” Brown said. “She showed more dedication. She had a competitive mindset. She kept bring her times down. She’ll make more progress next season.”

Jaimes and Villamarin placed 13th and 29th, respectively, during the sophomore boys race.

The competition featured a total of 50 runners.

Jaimes, a sophomore, just missed out on earning a medal.

The top 10 individuals were rewarded.

Jaimes posted a time of 13 minutes, 17 seconds on the 2-mile course.

He finished ahead of 37 other competitors.

“He followed the plan,” Brown said. “He executed. He got off to a good start and wasn’t behind in the back. He kept a good pace throughout the race. He had a strong finish. We’re excited for what’s to come next year. He’s motivated to keep running and doing better.”

Villamarin, a sophomore, finished the race in 13 minutes, 58 seconds.

“He put out a good performance,” Brown said. “He really did. That will energize him to come back next year.”