Watch Grace Keefe’s strong finish HERE. Watch her post-race interview via Joshua Potts, MileSplit CA HERE

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Under the lights at Canyon Crest Academy, the Cathedral Catholic Dons put on a show. Grace Keefe ’27 won a thrilling sprint to the finish in 16:51.9, leading the varsity girls to the team championship at the CCA Raven Invitational, while the boys placed eighth in a field of 51 teams.

The Raven Invitational took on a new look this year, moving to the evening to avoid the dangerous heat that had challenged the meet in past years. The result was a fast, electric atmosphere and a memorable night for Cathedral Catholic.

“Running under the lights was definitely more exciting,” Keefe said.

Keefe Wins a Thrilling Finish

Keefe, fresh off her victory at last week’s Bronco Roundup, battled Rancho Bernardo’s Riley Biddle throughout the three-mile girls’ invitational. The two runners stayed together late, with Biddle moving alongside Keefe with just 200 meters remaining. As the race headed down the final hill, Biddle briefly edged in front before Keefe responded with one final surge.

“I had one last sprint in me,” Keefe said.

Keefe crossed the finish line in 16:51.9, narrowly holding off Biddle, who finished in 16:52.3. The performance was more than a victory; it was the fourth-fastest girls’ time in the Raven Invitational’s seven-year history. Keefe also improved her previous best on the course by more than a minute.

Girls Claim Team Invitational Championship

Keefe’s individual victory helped propel the Cathedral Catholic varsity girls to the overall team championship, as the Dons defeated a field of 38 full teams featuring many of San Diego’s top programs.

Behind Keefe, Callie Schulteis, Kristine Bickler, Phoebe Brink and Eva Smith delivered strong performances, giving Cathedral the depth needed to capture the team title.

The Dons also dominated the sophomore girls race, placing six runners in the top 16 to cruise to the team title.

Boys Continue to Prove They Belong Among San Diego’s Best

The Cathedral Catholic boys once again proved they belong among the region’s top programs, finishing eighth out of 51 full teams in a loaded field that included nearly every top-10 team in San Diego, along with several of the top programs from throughout Southern California.

Freshman Lukas Derheimer led the way for the Dons, with Quinn McGivern, Makana Gibbons, Caleb Reid and Freddy Derheimer providing strong support to secure a top-eight team finish.

A Special Night for the Dons

Beyond the varsity results, Saturday night was a memorable night for the entire Cathedral Catholic program. Numerous JV and novice athletes earned medals in their respective races, including many runners competing in their first or second race of their lives.

With races continuing well into the evening, the Raven Invitational offered a unique atmosphere, and the Dons made the most of it. Another great night. Another strong showing. Another reason to ROLL DONS!