All season long, Sean Grumney has done everything in his power to put the Newbury Park boys' cross country team in a position to compete for the Marmonte League title.
In the process, he hopes to garner attention from college recruiters.
If his performance in Thursday's meet at Cal Lutheran is any indication, Grumney should have no trouble achieving both goals.
The senior was the individual winner, crossing the finish line of the 3-mile course in 16 minutes, 13 seconds to lead the Panthers to a 25-30 victory over Thousand Oaks and a 23-32 win over Westlake.
"I am doing what I can do to help the team win. If that means getting number one, then I will do it," said Grumney, the league's 800-meter champion in track.
"I've been training hard and been preparing for Mt. SAC, which is a personal meet for me. I want to do really well at that meet."
Willson Horne finished fourth at 16:49, followed by Sean Fought in fifth at 16:51.
"I think the kids are starting to believe in themselves," Newbury Park coach Marty Maciel said. "The kids knew how important this race was after losing to Royal. But now they know how good they can race."
With the two victories, the Panthers are in a first-place tie with Thousand Oaks at 6-1, with the league final Nov. 4 at Agoura High.
"The league final is going to be interesting. We haven't ran our best race yet. I know T.O. and Westlake will be ready," Maciel said. "Royal will be tough. But there is no way they are doing to us what they did before."
Sam Worley came in second with a time of 16:21 to lead Thousand Oaks, which defeated Westlake, 22-32.
Jonathan Miller was the top finisher for Westlake, coming in third in 16:29.
On the girls' side, Thousand Oaks swept the top three spots for a 24-31 win over Newbury Park and a 17-41 victory over Westlake.
Melanie Joerger was the individual winner at 19:34, followed by Caitlin Turner (19:52) and Kalin Padberg (19:55).
Newbury Park swept the Nos. 5 through 8 spots and placed five in the top 10. Rachel Ranucci (20:18) was the top finisher for the Panthers.
Nicki Ghazarian crossed the finish line at 20:03 as Westlake's lone runner in the top 10.
