Earlybird cross country invite

 Canceled last fall because of the Soberanes fire, the 22nd Earlybird Invitational is back at Toro Park Saturday with a record 80 schools expected to take part, including host North County.
 With the Central Coast Section cross country finals taking place at Toro Park, this gives schools an opportunity to get a feel for the course -- which didn't host one meet last year.
 The meet will also be dedicated in the honor of Condors assistant coach Jackie Henderson, who unexpectedly passed away over the summer at the age of 27.
 Five of the top 10 girls teams in the Central Coast Section will be taking part, including top ranked Aptos and No. 3 Santa Cruz, who has the team course record at Toro Park.
 Individually, distance ace Angela Leavitt is expected to contend for honors in the sophomore race for Notre Dame.
 Nationally ranked Bellarmine will be back to defend its title in the boys division, as 19 of the top 25 ranked teams in the CCS will be competing.
 Palma's Tommy Padilla and Sam Lavaroto - both state meet participants last year as individuals - are expected to make their season debuts in the junior race.
 Defending Mission Trail Athletic League champ Greenfield has two runners in medal contention in their divisions in Rigo Garcia and Luis Meza.