It started to drizzle as the varsity girls were at the starting line of the Valiant Invitational. Striding out, jogging back: palms upheld to test their suspicion. “Rain makes you faster,” I told them as they peeled off sweats and checked the knots on their shoelaces.

As random as a field near Heppner may seem, and despite the crunchy stubble underfoot, the course is remarkably flat and forgiving; the home team, coached by Russ Nichols, is consistently strong and competitive: both good reasons why over a dozen teams, including the Riverhawks, TDMS Wildcats, and St. Mary’s- came to run the Mustang Invitational last Thursday.

If you’re looking for a fast time, the course up at Sorosis Park in The Dalles might not be at the top of your list. Uneven hills throughout the park, plus the infamous “college hill” next to CGCC, make it among the toughest cross country races in the state. If you’re looking for a good time, though, it might be the right course for you.