RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Junior Daniel Perez and Caleb Ornelas continued their improvement during the 2025 men's cross country season, earning career-best times on Saturday at the Highlander Invitational.

Running in the 8K Open invitational, Ornelas was the top HIU finisher in 44th place. He posted a time of 26 minutes, 47 seconds, beating his previous best by 53 seconds. Ornelas ran 27:40.50 at the season-opening TMU Invite.

Perez was right behind his teammate in 26:50.5, placing 48th in the field of 157. The Banning native nipped his previous best time of 26:51.2, set on the same course three weeks ago.

Andy Avalos also competed for the Royals, finishing in 30:57.1 for 130th place.

The Royals compete in a final tuneup prior to the GSAC Championships, traveling to Springfield, Ore. for the October 24 Bushnell Invitational.