Pirates old and new were impressive to open the cross country season.

Phoenix took part in the Springhorn Classic in Redding on Sept. 2. Other than dodging smoke from the Weed, CA fire on the way home, PHS turned in solid performances to start the season.

The boys finished seventh out of 15 teams as a team with 224 points. Junior Kael Feeley led the way, finishing 30th in 18:20.69. Freshmen Nathan Hammond was close behind, placing 31st in 18:23.53. Also for Phoenix, Ethan Dobbins was 70th in 20L25.28, Marcelo Camargo 80th in 20:49.36 and Javier Quintana 93rd in 21:12.15.

The Phoenix girls were sixth out of eight teams with 150 points. Senior Kyla Potratz posted a 13th-place finish in 20:43.57. Joanna Siordia (58th in 25:30.36), Ava Robinson (60th in 25:57.05), Brisa Bauer (27:30.48) and Agatha Hosking (84th in 35:10.0) rounded out the PHS contingent.

Phoenix returns to action on Sept. 14 when it will take part in the Skyline Pre-District Meet in Rogue River.