Former Eureka Loggers Anna Grimmett is beginning to peak at an opportune time.

With the business end of the college track and field season fast approaching, the College of the Redwoods sophomore ran her best time ever in the women’s steeplechase over the weekend with a state qualifying mark.

Several of the Corsairs traveled to compete at the Mike Fanelli Track Classic hosted by San Francisco State and Grimmett provided one of the highlight performances of the day for the local squad.

The CR standout crossed the finish line in a time of 12 minutes, 43.02 seconds, breaking her previous best time in the event by six seconds.

Several former Fortuna Huskies also impressed for the Corsairs, including Gabby Crosswhite.

Both Grimmett and Crosswhite ran in the women’s mile, with both runners posting PRs in the event.

Crosswhite finished in a time of 5:53, with Grimmett just two seconds back and crossing the line in a time of 5:55.

“It’s nice to see both of them headed in the right direction,” CR head coach Reed Elmore said. “Gabby has a lot more in her, but she’s just getting used to running at this level. 

“I expect big things out of her in the future. It is exciting to watch her come into her own.”

Another former Fortuna Husky, Russell Pascascio, also had a big meet as he continues to thrive at the collegiate level.

The 2024 Humboldt Sports Big 5 Boys Athlete of the Year is ranked sixth in the state in the high jump and beat out an impressive field to win the event.

Pascascio jumped 1.94 meters, which was just barely off his PR.

Another Fortuna athlete, Luke Kamrud, also came close to a new PR while competing in the men’s 400 meters.

Kamrud finished in a time of 51.20 seconds as he continues to make strides on the college track.

The time was just .2 of a second off his best ever time.

Across the bay over the weekend, CR’s Maya Brightman and some of her teammates also traveled to compete at Berkeley.

The Fortuna runner overcame some sickness to post her second fastest time of the season in the women’s 200m, finishing in a time of 29.14 seconds.

“She’s been sick and has had some injury problems, so this is a good sign that she’s coming back,” Elmore said.