Marshall Eagles Soar at the Cool Breeze Invitational

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Thurgood Marshall Eagles cross country team competed in the Cool Breeze Invitational at the Pomona Fairplex. Coach Jessica Maker-Bilandzija shared that the team had a strong day of racing, with many athletes beating or nearly matching their personal bests from last season, while others impressed in their very first race. Running three miles in the heat, in the dark, across uneven terrain, and among a sea of competitive runners is no easy task—but the Marshall Eagles rose to the challenge.

In the boys varsity race, Nate Nicoletti led the squad with a time of 16:23. He was followed closely by Finn Anderson (17:00), Colin Detwiler (17:04), Garrett Sparks (17:28), Beckett Sparks (17:29), Alek Boschetti (17:47), and Adam Schneider (18:21). The team placed an impressive 11th overall out of more than 60 schools, proving they are hot on Arroyo’s heels.

The varsity girls also delivered a solid performance. Maria McDonald led the charge with a time of 22:48, followed by Noa Skiles (24:25), Tessa Moran (27:12), Ayden Lindley (27:38), and Juliette Lopez (28:53). Leslie Martinez, Layah Winn, and Olivia Moran all met their personal goals and achieved strong early-season times.

Coach Maker-Bilandzija also praised the Frosh/Soph and JV runners, calling them the “next varsity squad.”

The Eagles now look ahead to their League Meet at Legg Lake on September 10, 2025.

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, 990 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, (626) 396-5810 or visit https://marshall.pusd.us/.